Although the number of train-related fatalaties nationwide has decreased, in California, injuries and deaths have increased 15% in the last three years.
"As long as there have been locomotives, people have been willing to risk life or limb on the tracks... Last year, 85 people were killed and 50 injured walking, playing, lying down or engaging in other unauthorized activities on California railroad tracks. Over the last 10 years, more than 1,200 people have been killed or injured in what railroad officials call trespasser accidents more than in any other state... In urban areas as well as new communities, consumers weary of long commutes are snapping up houses and condominiums within walking distance of passenger stations. At the same time, transit agencies, such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, are building light-rail lines through densely populated neighborhoods."
Thanks to Laura Kranz
FULL STORY: Injuries, Deaths by Train Up in State

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont