The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
More Passenger Rail Coming to Montana
Planning is underway to restore a 45-year-defunct regional passenger rail line connecting southern Montana to Billings and Amtrak’s east-west Empire Builder line from Seattle to Chicago.
The Era Of Autonomous Vehicles Has Arrived
Autonomous vehicles are no longer perpetually “five years away.” They are here now. Planners must act now to ensure they don't degrade city life.
Highway Construction Flooded Their Homes; The State Says They’re Not Responsible
An earlier settlement for flood damages incurred by residents of Shiloh, Alabama came with an unexpected condition.
Third Spaces and Public Life
Public parks, libraries, and other social infrastructure foster community connections and stave off loneliness. Why are they increasingly deprioritized in civic life?
Florida State Park Will Pay Homage to First Free Black Settlement in US
In the late 1700s, Fort Mose was home to enslaved African people seeking freedom from the English colonies farther north along the Atlantic coast.
FEATURE
Book Review: Shifting Focus from Car-Free to Car-Lite Cities
Instead of aiming to make cities better for bikes, a new book argues we should be making cities better with bikes using a car-lite, not a car-free approach.
Portland Replaces Camping Ban With New Policy
Unhoused residents can sleep on public property when no shelter space is available, but still face penalties for violating new regulations or not moving into shelter if offered.
How Disinvestment and Hedge Funds Are Dismantling the US Intercity Bus System
The most affordable form of long-distance travel is being jeopardized as riders find themselves literally kicked to the curb.
Montana Ranchers Question Massive Solar Project
The $1.2-billion solar farm would provide power to data centers owned by Microsoft, Meta, and others.
‘Infill Stations’ Bring Transit Closer to Residents
Building new stations along existing transit lines can significantly increase access in formerly passed-over neighborhoods.
Hawaii Passes First Legislation Regulating Short-Term Rentals Statewide
The new law will give counties the power to limit number or short-term rentals and convert existing short-term rental units back into long-term residential housing.
FEATURE
Vehicle Miles Traveled Taxes Rollout Across States
Americans are driving more miles than ever before. As vehicles become increasingly fuel efficient, states across the country are considering vehicle miles traveled taxes as an alternative to gas taxes.
Twin Cities Suburbs Look to Improve Bike Facilities
Communities around Minneapolis and St. Paul are working to build more robust bike infrastructure networks.
First Segment of Jacksonville, Fla., Emerald Trail Opens
The 33-mile trail will connect 14 neighborhoods and numerous community amenities around downtown Jacksonville.
Congestion Pricing in the San Francisco Bay Area
Planners call them “express lanes,” but make no mistake, they are congestion pricing in action, and they're successful. The Bay Area network of what the Federal Highway Administration calls “high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes” is growing.
Severe Flooding Calls Attention to Houston’s Home Buyout Struggles
Recent extreme flooding along the San Jacinto River has prompted a review of the progress of Harris County’s flood-prone home buyout program.
Atlanta Could Ban Data Centers Along Beltline
City officials say the warehouse-style centers don’t support the Beltline overlay district’s goal to foster pedestrian-oriented development.
NYC’s Vision Zero Program Saved $90 Million in Medicaid Costs
While traffic fatalities remain far above zero, the city saw fewer injuries compared to areas without Vision Zero initiatives.
Chicago Transit Recovery Trails Behind Other Major US Cities
Sluggish ridership rates and staffing shortages are dampening recovery. Looming budget gaps could make things even worse.
A Look at Milwaukee’s Proposed Zoning Reform
The proposed changes would permit more flexible housing development while limiting changes in historic neighborhoods and on smaller streets.
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.
