The frontline of the ongoing battle between Airbnb and government regulators shifts from Albany to New York City.

"Airbnb Inc. is dropping a lawsuit against New York state, focusing its efforts instead on New York City where a recent law will be enforced that fines hosts as much as $7,500 for advertising many common short-term rentals," reports Greg Bessinger.
News about the lawsuit broke at the end of October, so the narrative arc on this story was brief. "In a procedural move, Airbnb and New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman filed paperwork Tuesday indicating the regulations are the jurisdiction of New York City and that they agree the suit against the state should be dismissed," explains Bessinger.
It's the latest in a string of developments in the lawsuits between Airbnb and cities. Earlier in November, the company and the city of San Francisco produced a détente in their ongoing legal battles.
[The Wall Street Journal article might be behind a paywall for some readers.]

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)