The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
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The Myth of Local Control
One common argument against statewide zoning reform is that local control of zoning is a venerable democratic norm. But in fact, state government often controls local land use in a variety of ways.
$14 Billion in Federal Transit Funding Announced
The annual formula funding grants support transit facilities and maintenance, electrification and equipment upgrades, and expansion of service.
Philadelphia Mayor Hopefuls Want More Affordable Housing on Vacant Lots
Many of the candidates agree that a slow, complex sales process and strong councilmanic prerogative hinder the development of city-owned lots.
Why Infrastructure Costs So Much
A new book details what planners already know: cost estimates for major infrastructure projects are usually a farce. Another book foretells just how much new infrastructure will be needed in the coming waves of climate migration.
D.C. Metro Sets ‘Lofty Goals,’ but Admits It Can’t Follow Through
The bus network redesign set to be unveiled next week is ambitious, but the agency says it doesn’t have the resources to implement it.
Driverless Cars Blocking Buses, Traffic in San Francisco
Footage from buses and trains show self-driving cars from Waymo and Cruise frequently make unscheduled stops, blocking transit vehicles and causing traffic snarls.
Freeway Removal Projects Gain Momentum
Thanks to decades of activism and newly available federal funding, state and local governments are starting to understand the negative impacts of highway construction and working to reverse the effects on cities around the nation.
How California’s Newest Housing Laws Could Affect Housing Production
While it’s too soon to assess the full effects of recently passed legislation on housing production in the state, planners and housing advocates express cautious optimism that the new laws could help alleviate the state’s housing shortage.
How the Discount Rate Impacts Future Generations
A wonky policy tool can have significant effects on how public and private money is spent.
Kansas City Requests State Funding for Freeway Cap Park
The city has been working to raise $200 million to create a 5.5 acre park spanning a portion of Interstate 670.
Study: Renters, Women, Minorities Underrepresented in Land Use Decisions
The membership of decisionmaking bodies such as planning commissions rarely reflects the socioeconomic, gender, and racial characteristics of the local community.
USDOT Federal Grant Program Will Fund Wildlife Crossings
The funding will support projects that reduce the risk of vehicle-wildlife collisions and improve habitat connectivity.
New York Cyclist Deaths Spike, Worrying Bike Advocates
The number of people killed on bikes in the city has already surpassed 2018’s total for the entire year.
‘Missing Middle Housing’ Bill Passes in Washington Senate
The legislation would permit duplexes and, in some cases, fourplexes in residential areas in most Washington towns.
Report: American Downtowns Safer Than You Think
A Brookings Institution study reveals that crime rates in major cities have risen, but downtown districts account for a negligible part of the growth.
Austin Could Eliminate Parking Minimums for Bars
Proponents of the resolution say the city’s parking mandates encourage drunk driving and drive up construction costs for small businesses.
Audit Finds Colorado DOT Contracting Process Inconsistent
A state audit criticized the agency for taking a haphazard approach to awarding contracts for major projects.
Study: Inequity Surfaces During Water Crises
As the world’s water supply becomes more threatened, the wealthiest people are exacerbating the crisis through non-essential uses while the poor are the first to lose access to water.
FEATURE
Opinion: Surprised by Your Neighborhood’s Walkability Score? Don't Be.
A cautionary tale of using indices.
D.C. Bus Cameras Will Ticket Drivers Blocking Bus Lanes, Bus Stops
The program will mark the first use of automated enforcement to ticket vehicles blocking access to bus stops.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
