The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Rendering of California high-speed rail train viaduct with arches

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.

April 7 - The Fresno Bee

Colorado

Fort Collins Code Update Rescinded Due to ADU Opposition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.

April 7 - The Coloradoan

Round sign on building with white CTA logo on blue background

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.

April 7 - The Onion

Close-up of row of electric car charging stations in a covered garage structure

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.

April 7 - The Verge

British Columbia residential Neighborhoods

British Columbia Asserts Provincial Control Over Density

The Canadian province plans to override local opposition to loosening zoning regulations that restrict the housing supply.

April 6 - The Globe and Mail


Tents belonging to unhoused people near freeway onramp in Phoenix, Arizona

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.

April 6 - Arizona Republic

Former auto showroom converted to apartments in Oakland, California with vintage facade and new tower rising above

‘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.

April 6 - San Francisco Chronicle


Outdoor Recreation

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.

April 6 - Vail Daily

Silver Houston Silver Line bus at a dedicated bus rapid transit station

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.

April 6 - Houston Chronicle

View of joggers on Brooklyn Bridge Park trail in foreground with Brooklyn-Queens Expressway traffic in background and brick buildings behind the highway

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.”

April 6 - StreetsBlog NYC

Two white SEPTA buses with red and blue lines on urban Philadelphia street

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.

April 6 - WHYY

The buildings of the Florida State Capitol, old and new, are visible across a lawn in front of the old building.

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.

April 6 - Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Two white traffic enforcement cameras above a road in Ottawa, Canada with a colorful multistory building in background

Study: Traffic Cameras Reduce Speeding, Crashes

Analysis of the automated enforcement program in Ottawa, Canada shows a significant drop in speeding near traffic cameras.

April 5 - CBC News

Aerial view of I-5 freeway and large landfill in hilly part of Los Angeles County

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.

April 5 - Revitalization

Rendering of station for California High-Speed Rail train

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.

April 5 - Foster + Partners

Boise Idaho

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.

April 5 - Idaho Statesman

MARTA Bus

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.

April 5 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Passengers on a women's only subway car in Mexico City, Mexico

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.

April 5 - Emma Chapman

State capitol building in Albany, New York

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.

April 5 - Gotham Gazette

White and yellow MBTA bus in Cambridge, Massachusetts with brick buildings in background

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.

April 5 - The Boston Globe

Post News
Comprehensive Bikeway Design Workshop

Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University

Early Bird Deadline – save on your tuition fee!🚨

Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.

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.