A bill that would allow exurban development before adequate transportation infrastructure is in place has caused a stir in Florida, where environmental groups are lobbying the governor for a veto.
"The bill would promote urban sprawl, cause traffic congestion and contribute to climate change, said Charles Pattison, president of the environmental group, 1000 Friends of Florida, in a letter to Crist.
The bill, CS/CS/SB 360, would exempt many outlying as well as urban areas from a requirement to have adequate roads and other transportation necessities in place before development can occur."
"...The measure 'was botched up in the House of Representatives' and sports 'a giant loophole' that is contrary to smart-growth principles, according to Charles Lee, director of advocacy for the nonprofit environmental organization, Audubon of Florida.
Bennett, who worked closely on the bill's text with state growth management officials, originally had the support of many environmentalists. But once the measure got a workover on its trip through the House, it earned the enmity of some of its original backers."
FULL STORY: Crist urged to veto growth management bill
Communities Sue Florida Over Growth Management Law
Several communities in South Florida are suing the state government over the recent passage of a law that allows exurban development to occur even if there is no adequate transportation infrastructure in place.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
The Future of EV Charging Stations and Urban Planning
Explore the future of EV charging in cities and discover urban planning strategies for integrating electric vehicle infrastructure and promoting sustainable transportation.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie