This editorial calls on the state of New Jersey to take advantage of the fact that it has one of the country's largest mass transit network and to better site homes and development near transit.
"According to a recent publication by NJ Future, a local think tank, New Jersey is already a leader in the nation when it comes to mass transit. Our state has the third largest national mass transit network and saw a laudable 4.1 percent increase in NJ Transit passengers last year. That's al most double the national average. Also, New Jersey had the fourth slowest growth rate in the number of vehicle miles traveled since 1980 and reported a decline in per-capita fuel consumption since 1989, according to NJ Future. Still, to meet the ambitious energy saving and greenhouse gas emission targets set by the governor, more people need to abandon their cars for trains, buses and ferries."
"One way to make that happen is to create more housing within walking distance of mass transit hubs, such as the Princeton Junction and Hamil ton train stations. If you think you've heard of that concept before, it's because you have. Ambitious housing and commercial centers around the busy local train stops, known as transit villages, were proposed years ago, only to be shot down by neighbors and local officials, fearing increased traffic and an influx of school children."
FULL STORY: Transit the masses

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.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie