Technology
Building Healthier Communities: The Role of GIS in Park Planning
Integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into park planning enhances community health by promoting physical activity, supporting mental well-being, fostering social connectedness, and addressing public health crises and climate change.
Boston AI Pilot Optimizes Traffic Light Timing
The program has led to reductions in stop-and-go traffic of as much as 50 percent.
3D-Printed Community in Texas Nearly Complete
Upon completion, the 100-home Wolf Ranch Community north of Austin will be the largest 3D printed neighborhood in the world.
LA to Launch Bus Lane Enforcement Cameras
Bus-mounted cameras will identify vehicles that block designated bus lanes to help prevent delays and maintain reliable transit operations.
San Francisco Bans Rent Fixing Software
The Board of Supervisors unanimously supported a bill that bars landlords from using software that critics say facilitates collusion between landlords.
Traffic Tech is Helping Texas Curb Road Deaths
The state is deploying AI-assisted technology to identify dangerous road segments and improve signal timing.
July’s Must Reads: Top 10 Articles from Last Month
In case you missed them, here were the biggest urban planning news items, features, and blogs from last month, including 15 new Amtrak routes, Florida’s EV law, California’s rail update, fare-free buses in Tucson, and more.
Data Centers Gaining Ground in Central Ohio
Massive data centers are gobbling up energy resources and tax breaks while creating few jobs in the region.
First Federal Funding for Hydrogen Hubs Awarded to California and Pacific Northwest
The U.S. Department of Energy announced on July 17 that the first grant to build the nation's seven proposed 'hydrogen hubs' would go to California. The ultimate goal is to decarbonize transportation fuels used in port operations.
Tesla ‘Nearly Crashes’ in Full Self-Driving Mode
A test of Tesla’s autonomous mode showed troubling permissiveness, according to one analyst.
Austin Transit Agency Backs Down on Electric Bus Pledge
Technology problems, short ranges, and supply chain issues hinder Cap Metro’s ambitious electrification plan.
Leveraging Social Media for Citizen Engagement in Urban Planning
Discover how urban planners can use social media to enhance citizen engagement, featuring strategies for interactive communication and community involvement in urban development projects.
Survey Indicates Strong Support for Anti-Speeding Tech
More than half of drivers would be comfortable with speed-limiting technology or audio and visual signals warning them they’ve gone over the speed limit.
How Local Park Agencies Contribute to Decarbonization Efforts
Park agencies play an important role in decarbonization by creating and managing parklands, promoting sustainable practices, and engaging communities to combat climate change and enhance public health and biodiversity.
Cities, States Use AI and GIS to Make Permitting Less of a Pain
Across the country, state and local governments have turned to AI to optimize their building permitting processes. The efficiencies they’ve achieved are impressive and welcomed by applicants and government agencies alike.
‘Data Bikes’ Help Governments Understand Bike Path Conditions
Sensors on specially equipped bikes can collect information on trail accessibility and pavement conditions to prioritize maintenance projects.
12 Technologies That Will Shape Future of Urban Planning
Experts from Forbes compiled a list of technologies they say will have the greatest impact on urban living, and several of them will have major impacts on urban planning practice.
USDOT Unveils Strategies to Achieve Near-Zero Transportation Emissions
Three key strategies — reducing travel distances, increasing energy-efficient travel modes, and transitioning to zero-emission vehicles and fuels — are recommended to meet national climate goals under the Paris Agreement.
Using AI to Model Climate Impacts
A German research team used AI to understand how thermal stress will impact urban infrastructure down to the street level.
EU Speed Limiter Law Kicks In
All new cars sold in Europe and Northern Ireland will include speed limiting tech, among other new safety features.
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)
