The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

California Home to Almost One Third of U.S. Unhoused Population
Despite efforts at the state and local level to address the growing homelessness crisis, California is seeing the fastest increase in its unhoused population in the country.

Oregon Cities Could Gain Control Over Speed Limits
A new law would allow cities to lower speed limits without going through an onerous state approval process.

How Climate Change Threatens Manufactured Housing
A key supply of low-cost housing is under threat from extreme weather, rising sea levels, and other impacts of climate change.

Free Fares for Buses? Don’t Forget the Trains
Fare-free programs that apply to buses and not trains create a fragmented transit system and encourage more people to use slower, less efficient modes.

Shifting the Focus for Transportation Planning in Fairfax County
Fairfax County wants to move away from a heavy reliance on level of service in favor of more pedestrian- and transit-oriented planning.

New York Post-Pandemic First: Big Transit Service Changes
More service on the weekends, less on Monday and Friday, reflects the patterns of post-pandemic transit ridership.

Boosters Hope Streetcar Could Breathe New Life into Downtown Seattle
Supporters of a stalled streetcar project say reviving the line would create more transit connections and boost economic development in the area.

Historic Conservation Agreement Reached on Last Day of COP15
The international framework pledges to protect 30 percent of land and water by 2030, but critics say it doesn’t go far enough to address the urgency of biodiversity loss and climate change.

Causes and Effects of Widespread Data Center Development
While it’s unlikely to expect local and state governments to insist that data center developments locate somewhere else, specific policy steps can ensure a more positive impact for communities.

Denver Evaluates Success of E-Bike Rebate
The program proved extremely popular with Denver residents, opening up biking as a transportation mode to more people.

Chicago Gets its First Bike Counter
After years of failed efforts to install bike counters, the city finally has its first counter at the corner of Chicago Avenue and Wells Street.

Paris to Ban Short-Haul Flights to Reduce Emissions
The country of France has been cleared by the European Union to ban specific air travel routes from the Orly Airport near Paris.

New York City Council Wants Community Engagement to Lead Affordable Housing Development
New York Mayor Eric Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams have proposed very different responses to the city’s lack of affordable housing.

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The Top Planning Courses of 2022
A list of the top planning education resources, according to the users of Planetizen Courses.

L.A. Ends COVID Eviction Protections
Some of the nation’s longest-lasting eviction protections are set to expire in February, while the future of other renter assistance programs remains uncertain.

How the Restaurant Scene Became a Symbol of Gentrification
While redevelopment-related displacement is the result of broader market forces and policy decisions, restaurants and cafes have become an emotionally charged flashpoint for the debate over gentrification.

Amtrak Reveals New, Faster Airo Trains
Trains on at least 14 intercity routes will be replaced with a fuel-efficient model with top speeds of 125 mph.

Raleigh Launches Pre-Approved ‘ADU Gallery’
The city wants to streamline the process and lower construction costs for accessory dwelling units in order to boost the city’s housing supply without dramatically altering neighborhoods.

Chicago Awarded Federal Funding for Accessible Train Stations
The city received a federal grant geared toward improving accessibility at CTA and Metra stations, close to a third of which lack ADA compliance.

Bigger, More Powerful Cars Cancel Out Improvements in Fuel Efficiency
As carmakers improve the fuel efficiency of some models, many American car buyers are purchasing big trucks and SUVs that still offer low MPGs.
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