It only takes two minutes to catch up on the biggest news stories of the week.
On this week's edition of the Planetizen Week in Review: The U.S. Department of Transportation grants offered a little Christmas in July moment for 40 communities around the country. So far the Kansas City Streetcar has been a gift to the residents of that city. Uber had a bad week in China. But give it to Toronto for stealing the show by announcing plans for a Rail Deck Park that ranks among the most ambitious public space projects on the continent.
2016 TIGER Grants Award $484 Million to 40 Winning Projects
Kansas City Streetcar Drawing Crowds in First Three Months
Uber Suffers Setback in China
Toronto Wants a Deck Park to Span Downtown Rail Tracks
FULL STORY: Planetizen Week in Review: August 8, 2016
Hong Kong Cab Hailing App Folds — and Uber Takes Over
HKTaxi launched a year before Uber came to town. Now, it’s shutting down. Lawmakers worry a monopoly looms.
Minnesota Lawmakers Reach Ride Share Compromise
A law awaiting the governor’s signature establishes wage rates for drivers. Ride share companies say if the law passes, they plan to continue service in the state.
Uber Sees Record Ridership, Finally Posts a Profit
The ride-hailing giant posted an operating profit for the first time in its history, thanks largely in part to its successful food delivery business.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)