The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Portland, Maine

Opinion: It's the Perfect Time for More Trains in Maine

A more concerted effort could bring together the state's recent plans and federal infrastructure investment to link the region and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

February 9 - Press Herald

Virginia

A Regional Vision for Virginia, Maryland, D.C. Rail

Expanding rail service to more communities in Maryland and D.C. could enhance the benefits of Virginia's recent investments in intercity rail.

February 9 - The Virginia Mercury

Capitol Hill

Proposed $1.9 Trillion Stimulus Includes $30 Billion Each for Transit and Rent Relief

Democrats in Congress are moving forward with a massive COVID stimulus package—with or without Republicans.

February 9 - CNBC

Biden administration

BLOG POST

You're in Charge of the U.S. DOT; Where Do You Start?

You just got the top transportation job in the country. What are your priorities? Who are your allies? And one last question: Do you even want the job?

February 8 - Robert Fischer

110 Freeway

New Climate Leadership in Transportation at the California Assembly

California Assembly Transportation Committee Chair Laura Friedman shares policy priorities for reducing emissions, eliminating traffic fatalities, and improving the connectivity of urban regional light rail in Southern California.

February 8 - The Planning Report


Pandemic Public Health

California's Stringent Coronavirus Restrictions Worked

Public health experts credit the controversial L.A. County public health order and the state's regional order, both of which banned outdoor dining, with reducing the viral spread that overwhelmed hospitals with COVID patients last month.

February 8 - Los Angeles Times

Donner Lofts Affordable Housing, San Jose, California

Private Sector Coalition Urges California to Invest in Affordable Housing

A new plan calls for increased funding for housing and supportive services to relieve the state's housing crisis and end homelessness.

February 8 - The Mercury News


Freeway park over I-5

I-5 Study Shows Benefits of Capping Urban Freeways

Putting a lid on the interstate through downtown Seattle could create new space for parks and housing, reduce pollution, and reconnect the disrupted street grid.

February 8 - The Urbanist

Sixth Street, Austin

Austin Reallocates Police Funding to Homeless Housing and Services

The city is using the redistributed money to purchase hotels for permanent housing and provide supportive services.

February 8 - Curbed

Bike Lane

A Year of Cycling Deaths on American Roads

Arterial roads and poorly designed intersections pose significant threats to cyclist and pedestrian safety.

February 8 - Outside Online

Social Distancing

BLOG POST

Left-NIMBYism and COVID-19

The events of the past year shows that the law of supply and demand applies to urban housing, and that gentrification can, in fact, be subdued.

February 8 - Michael Lewyn

I-45 and I-69

TxDOT Approves I-45 Widening Despite Local Opposition

Despite every manner of local opposition, the Texas Department of Transportation is pushing forward with a plan to widen Interstate 45 north of the city of Houston, demolishing and displacing thousands of homes, businesses, and community facilities.

February 7 - Houston Chronicle

Denver

Double-Digit Housing Price Increases Tied to Supply Imbalance in Denver

Expensive homes dominated the metro Denver real estate market in 2020.

February 7 - The Denver Post

Power plant and residential neighborhood

Biden's Climate Plan Centers Environmental Justice

The Biden administration's climate plan calls for sweeping reform in the country's energy policy and places new focus on addressing racial and economic disparities.

February 7 - The Washington Post

Maglev

Federal Review of High-Speed Maglev Train Between D.C. and Baltimore Nearing the Finish Line

The Federal Railroad Administration recently released a preliminary study of a proposed high-speed maglev train route between Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

February 7 - The Washington Post

Park(ing) Day

The Pandemic Revealed Public Space as 'Essential Infrastructure'

COVID-19 restrictions have highlighted the importance of abundant, multi-use open spaces accessible to all.

February 5 - San Francisco Chronicle

Love

Is the Pandemic Improving Affordable Housing Asset Management?

Resident services has long been the first to be cut in hard times—but for some housing providers that may be changing.

February 5 - Shelterforce Magazine

Radar Speed Sign

Speed Limit Reform Spreading Across Minnesota

After the Twin Cities lowered speed limits in the urban core of the region in 2020, a trio of suburban cities are planning to follow. Two of the cities are planning to set some speed limits as low as 20 mph.

February 5 - Star Tribune

BLM Plaza, Washington, D.C.

Pop Quiz: What Kind of Post-2020 City-Maker Are You?

The State of Place blog is offering a pop quiz designed to help you diagnose the kind of post-2020 city-maker you are.

February 5 - State of Place

Amtrak 2035

Amtrak Proposes Five New Routes in Ohio

The nation’s most populous state without an intercity passenger rail program could be the benefit of ambitions to expand the network of Amtrak service around the country.

February 4 - All Aboard Ohio

Post News

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.