The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

CA High-Speed Rail’s Latest Challenge: Floodwater
The historic precipitation that fell on the state of California in past months poses a unique and unanticipated threat to the state’s big infrastructure project in the Central Valley.

Fort Collins Code Update Rescinded Due to ADU Opposition
It’s back to the drawing board for a development code update in Fort Collins, Colorado, after residents revolted against zoning reforms that include by-right development of accessory dwelling units.

Friday Funny: Chicago Transit Has Imposter Syndrome
The Onion posits that the CTA’s failures stem from a debilitating fear of having riders rely on them.

Dramatic Decline in New EV Models to Qualify for Federal Tax Credit
The Treasury Department released long-awaited rules required by the historic Inflation Reduction Action on March 31 that will determine which electric vehicle models purchased after April 17 will qualify for a federal credit up to $7,500.

British Columbia Asserts Provincial Control Over Density
The Canadian province plans to override local opposition to loosening zoning regulations that restrict the housing supply.

Phoenix Ordered to Sweep City’s Biggest Unhoused Community
A county judge ruled the city must evict people living in an encampment after local businesses and residents sued.

‘Facadism:’ Historical Preservation, Fakery—or a Little of Both?
Developers in cities like Oakland, California are turning to vintage architectural elements to inform building renovations, but this repackaging is far from traditional preservation work.

Colorado Mountain Communities Line Up to Oppose Statewide Zoning Reforms
State preemption isn’t going over well with local government officials in the remote corners of Colorado.

Houston Metro Proposes Undergrounding BRT Line
To ease community concerns, the agency is proposing an underpass in lieu of a prior plan that would have elevated a new rapid transit line above a portion of its downtown route.

Expressway Expansion Could Threaten Brooklyn Bridge Park
Supporters of the waterfront park worry NYCDOT’s plan to potentially widen the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway could reduce green space in “one of the most expensive urban parks ever built.”

SEPTA’s Strategy for Easing Its Staffing Shortage
The agency is taking multiple steps to recruit and retain more transit operators, but it likely won’t be enough to prevent the agency from having to cut service on some of its bus lines.

Florida Law Bans Rent Control Statewide
The DeSantis administration has a signature housing bill. Florida has $711 million in funding for housing programs. Local governments have less power over zoning.

Study: Traffic Cameras Reduce Speeding, Crashes
Analysis of the automated enforcement program in Ottawa, Canada shows a significant drop in speeding near traffic cameras.

From Degraded Lands to Parks: Advancing Environmental Justice
The restoration of degraded lands, including properties occupied by abandoned, redundant, or unwanted infrastructure, is of great importance in Los Angeles County, where numerous underserved communities are plagued with environmental burdens.

Starpower Hired to Design California High-Speed Rail Station
The planning, engineering, and design team will develop the first four Central Valley stations on the train line.

Proposed Update to Boise Zoning Code Would Boost Density, Discourage Sprawl
A years-long process has culminated in a proposal that would encourage the creation of affordable housing, promote transit-oriented development, and position the city for less car-oriented growth.

MARTA to Increase Service Frequency, Reduce Routes
Atlanta transit users will likely have to trade higher frequency for fewer routes based on a new plan approved by a planning committee last week.

FEATURE
Mind the Gender Gap: Achieving Transit Equity Through a Gendered Perspective
How acknowledging the unique transportation needs of women can lead to more equitable, effective public transport service for all.

Op-Ed: New York Housing Voucher Program Would Increase Housing Security
An op-ed in Gotham Gazette calls on the state legislature to enact a housing assistance program that could help tens of thousands of residents stay in their homes.

Boston Bus Garage Delays Jeopardize Electrification Goals
With garage construction behind schedule and over budget, it appears doubtful that the MBTA will be able to convert its fleet to electric buses by its self-imposed deadlines.
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