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.
Judge Halts Trump Order Tying State Transportation Grants to Immigration Actions
Ruling applies to Colorado, which was among 20 plaintiff states.
Duffy Threatens to Cut DOT Funds to “Sanctuary Cities”
“Follow the law or forfeit the funding” says US Secretary of Transportation.
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?
Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.
What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.
Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts
Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie