The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Rent Protection Laws Due for Renewal in New York
A law that sets rental protections in New York will expire in June. Negotiations for a replacement law are just beginning.
Badly Needed Light Rail Funding to the Rescue in Buffalo
State budget wheeling and dealing has yielded $100 million in funding for repairs on the Buffalo Metro Rail system, according to reports.

Small Towns in the Western U.S. Achieving Population and Economic Growth
A small town success story in Montana is indicative of a larger trend in the Western United States. Meanwhile, small towns in the rest of the country struggle.

Zoning in Japan Versus Zoning in the U.S.
Japan's system of zoning appears highly capable of fostering mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods. How does Japanese zoning differ from our own, and what factors caused those differences?

Changes to Proposed NYC Pied-à-Terre Tax Will Yield Less Revenue for Transit
The real estate intervened, and a proposed pied-à-terre tax became a mansion tax.

A Big Week for Virgin Trains USA, Formerly Brightline, in Florida
Virgin Trains USA has the funding to start construction on a rail link between Orland and West Palm Beach, and the system has launched its official rebranding under its new ownership.

Protecting and Growing Cultural Facilities in Expensive Cities
Independent cultural institutions provide so much of what make cities world class, and they are a big part of the appeal for people who choose to live in highly urbanized areas. These days, cultural institutions are having a hard time affording rent.

No Good News for Climate Stabilization From a New Worldwide Energy Report
Last month, the Paris-based International Energy Agency released its annual "Global Energy & CO2 Status Report." Energy consumption grew 2.3 percent with fossil fuels accounting for 70 percent on the increase. CO2 emissions jumped 1.7 percent.

Editorial Calls for Drastic Actions to Fix the Salton Sea
A Los Angeles Times editorial board sheds light on the ongoing environmental disaster of the Salton Sea in California, and the lack of action by the state to mitigate the worsening impacts.

Where Americans Are Most Likely to Live With Housing Cost Burdens
New analysis reveals the geographic patterns of housing cost burdens in the United States.

'Rental-Only Zoning' a Tough Task
Richmond, British Columbia is trying to develop "rental-only zoning" for 60 properties in the city.

Mayoral Election Likely to Have Consequences for Chicago Mega-Development
The most recent citywide election in Chicago was considered a referendum on the old way of operating the city. The $6 billion Lincoln Yards project, on the brink of approval, could be included in that referendum.

One City Was Skeptical Enough About Opportunity Zones to Declare a Development Moratorium
Boulder declared a moratorium on development in a federally designated Opportunity Zone back in December. Here's how the decision has played out so far.

Royal Dutch Shell: Big Oil with a Conscience?
Big Oil companies are not all alike. Royal Dutch Shell is the first one to part ways with a major oil industry trade group over differences on climate change. It's also linking executive pay to goals to reduce the company's carbon footprint.

The Idaho Stop Now Legal in Arkansas
The state of Arkansas is now the second station in the nation to completely legalize the Idaho Stop—a frequently practiced maneuver on bikes that advocates say is a key to bike safety and comfort on the streets.

Congestion Pricing Marks the End of an Era
A New York Times article marks the historic significance of congestion pricing—gone are the days of treating roads like they're free while ignoring their costs.

Cities Increasingly Piloting Autonomous Shuttle Services
There is no shortage of autonomous shuttle services operating around the United States, which means there are plenty of lessons to be learned.

New Transit Funds to Support Buses in Rural East Oregon
A payroll tax will fund the expansion of bus services in Umatilla County, Oregon.

Op-Ed Supports Staten Island Rezoning for its Green Benefits
A rezoning proposal for Staten Island in New York City gets support from a local resident with deep involvement in the community.

Las Vegas' Growth Tied to its Dwindling Water Supply
Las Vegas has almost maximized its growth potential given projects for its future water supply—something has to give.
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