Federal Funding

Blurred traffic at night passing through Battery Park Tunnel into New York City with One World Trade Center in background.

NYC Congestion Pricing Under Threat — Again

President Trump is attempting to make good on a campaign promise to kill New York City’s congestion pricing program, but the mechanism for ending it remains unclear.

February 12, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Man and two children on bikes next to red and silver train on sunny day.

How ‘Anti-DEI’ Efforts Impact Sustainable Transportation Studies

Research into accessibility, transit equity, and traffic safety is losing federal funding at an alarming rate.

February 11, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Large bridge under construction.

From Grants to Growth: The Critical Role of Funding in Urban Transportation Projects

How cities are taking innovative approaches and adopting technology to develop sustainable, long-term funding sources for transportation infrastructure.

February 7, 2025 - Timothy Menard

Neoclassical United States Treasury building in Washington, D.C.

January Must-Reads: Top 10 Articles From Last Month

How a tidal wave of potential changes at the federal level could throw many programs planners depend on into chaos, a roundup of last year’s zoning stories, and the continuing ripple effects of a landmark Supreme Court case.

February 6, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up of smartphone with USDOT website pulled up and screen with USDOT logo in background.

DOT Memo Directs Transportation Funding to Communities With Higher Marriage and Birth Rates, Compliance with Immigration Officials and No Mask Mandates

The memo ties immigration enforcement to federal funding and prohibits mask or vaccine mandates.

February 5, 2025 - Huffpost

Sign for Needles, California installed on wooden wagon with residential neighborhood visible in background.

Commentary: Why We Need a Federal Definition of ‘Rural’

A patchwork of definitions of rural versus urban areas has real consequences for communities seeking federal funding.

February 4, 2025 - The Daily Yonder

Crosswalk on street in Raleigh, North Carolina with parking on both sides and capitol building visible in background.

Raleigh Announces Safe Streets Plan

The city wants to eliminate traffic deaths by 2045.

February 4, 2025 - Hoodline

Bird's eye view of moderately busy large freeway interchange in California.

California Environmental Leaders Call on State Agencies to Prioritize Multimodal Transportation

Even before President Trump took office, California was not meeting its emissions reduction goals.

January 27, 2025 - Streetsblog California

View up at US Department of Housing and Urban Development building in Washington, D.C.

National Housing Group Criticizes Executive Orders

The National Low Income Housing Coalition issued a statement charging that Trump’s executive orders would worsen the housing crisis.

January 27, 2025 - National Low Income Housing Coalition

Technician in orange vest and white hard hat standing in field with row of wind turbines.

Executive Order Pauses Infrastructure, Clean Energy Funds

Trump’s order puts a freeze on unspent funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

January 23, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Front of White House with stormy sky above.

How the Trump Presidency Could Impact Urban Planning

An analysis of potential changes in federal housing, transportation, and climate policies.

January 19, 2025 - Planetizen

Low angle of pedestrians and a bicycle crossing the street at an urban crosswalk.

USDOT Announces First Round of 2025 RAISE Grants

The agency awarded $1.32 billion in funds to transportation infrastructure projects aimed at road safety and mobility.

January 16, 2025 - Transportation Today News

Subway train pulling into elevated outdoor platform in New York City with one passenger waiting.

The News Is Not All Bad

President Trump's election might not be a disaster for local transit.

November 12, 2024 - Michael Lewyn

Row of homes in Durango, Colorado covered in snow.

Colorado Launches New Efficiency and Weatherization Rebate Program

The state is using federal funds to assist homeowners in replacing inefficient appliances and making their homes more climate-friendly and resilient.

November 4, 2024 - Colorado Public Radio

Flock of white snow geese flying and resting in water in Sacramento River delta at sunset.

California Secures $360 Million in Federal Funding for Parks, Habitat Restoration, and Clean Transportation

This funding will drive transformative projects across the state, improving access to green spaces, protecting natural ecosystems, and advancing sustainable transportation initiatives.

October 7, 2024 - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom

View from underneath Fremont Bridge in Portland, Oregon over Willamette River.

Over Half of IIJA Funds Still Up for Grabs

Just 40 percent of funds from the massive infrastructure law have been allocated to projects three years after its passage.

September 25, 2024 - Construction Dive

Aerial view of Macarthur Park lake with downtown Los Angeles skyline in background.

LA County Receives Reconnecting Communities Grants

Seven grant awards totaling $162 million will be used for planning, capital projects, and regional partnerships to reduce environmental harm and improve access in disadvantaged communities.

April 16, 2024 - Streetblog LA

Concrete bike and pedestrian trail with people walking and biking under pedestrian bridge in Orlando, Florida.

FHWA Opens $45 Million in Bike and Pedestrian Grants

Active Transportation grants are aimed at helping communities build and maintain bike and pedestrian infrastructure.

March 27, 2024 - Traffic Technology Today

Aerial view of 238 freeway in Oakland, California cutting through neighborhood with small houses

Federal Government Awards Reconnecting Communities Grants

States and cities received over $3 billion in grant funding aimed at redressing the damage caused by freeways.

March 14, 2024 - U.S. Department Of Transportation

Close-up of Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum entrance arch with title and Olympic rings.

Feds Award LA Region $900 Million for Transportation Projects

The funding will support efforts to make improvements to transit and pedestrian infrastructure ahead of the 2028 Olympics.

March 13, 2024 - KTLA

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.