So far the reviews have not been kind to the proposed changes to the U.S. Department of Transportation performance measurement rule. The public comment for the proposed rule closes August 20.
Alex Dodds writes that "the U.S. Department of Transportation is considering new requirements for how states and metro areas will have to measure traffic congestion" for the first time in its history. Although Dodds acknowledges that the idea is a good one, "the Department of Transportation’s proposed rule as it’s currently written has some serious problems."
Namely, the "proposed rule defines success as keeping traffic moving at high speeds at all times of day on all types of roads and streets." Moreover, the "formula being considered ignores pedestrians, cyclist, telecommuters, transit riders and those who carpool."
Dodds has additional criticisms, joining a chorus that includes criticisms by Joe Cortright, writing for City Observatory back in April. The article by Dodds also serves as a call to action. Dodds writes: "The good news is that public comments are currently being accepted on this rule, which means there’s still a chance to change it. Comments close on August 20."
FULL STORY: U.S. Department of Transportation traffic formula stuck in the 1950s
Early Review of the U.S. DOT's New Performance Measurement Rule
An initial review by City Observatory's Joe Cortright doesn't find much to indicate that the new U.S. DOT 's performance measurement rule for transportation systems will set a new transportation policy agenda.
Why Bike Lanes Are Good: An Explainer for the US Transportation Secretary
Sean Duffy says there’s no evidence that bike lanes have benefits. Streetsblog — and federal agencies’ own data — beg to differ.
USDOT Repeals Emissions Monitoring Rule
A Biden-era regulation required states to report and plan to reduce transportation-related emissions.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan
The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.
Housing, Supportive Service Providers Brace for Federal Cuts
Organizations that provide housing assistance are tightening their purse strings and making plans for maintaining operations if federal funding dries up.
Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions