Massachusetts
Boston Mayor Fights for Rent Control
Mayor Wu says putting a rent control policy in place is just one of several ways the city plans to improve housing affordability and prevent evictions, but the proposal requires state approval.
Explaining Massachusetts’ New TOD Law
The MBTA Communities law sets ‘minimum multi-family unit capacity’ for communities located near transit stations to boost higher-density housing development in transit-rich areas.
Massachusetts Passes New Road Safety Law
The legislation requires cars to keep four feet away from cyclists and other “vulnerable” road users and eases the process for lowering speed limits on state-owned roads.
How One Massachusetts Governor Rejected Car-Oriented Development
Fifty years ago, Governor Francis W. Sargent nixed a proposed expressway and set in motion a transportation future for Boston that would be remarkably different from many other U.S. cities.
MBTA Announces Improved Bus Frequencies, Redesigned Route Map in Boston
A large system redesign is nearing implementation in and around Boston, but the new system map will require more drivers than the MBTA currently employs.
Tracking Boston’s Emissions Reduction Progress
The Boston Foundation published the “Inaugural Boston Climate Progress Report” earlier this month. Other U.S. cities should follow their lead.
Housing Out of Reach as Costs and Mortgage Rates Rise
The monthly costs—mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance—of a typical low-end home in the Boston region has reached $3,600 a month. A typical home costs $5,000 a month.
Boston Unveils Green Infrastructure Plan
The city will start by redesigning curb extensions to incorporate elements that improve flood prevention and stormwater management.
Parking Requirements Eliminated in Cambridge, Massachusetts
A major zoning amendment was approved by the Cambridge City Council on Monday, October 24, 2022.
Boston ‘Mansion Tax’ Could Raise Millions for Affordable Housing
A tax on luxury property sales is stalled in the state legislature, causing the city to miss out on millions in potential tax revenue.
A Sweet Deal: Zoning for Honeybees
A Boston ordinance could make it easier for residents to take up urban beekeeping.
Lessons from Boston’s Orange Line Shutdown
A month-long shutdown of one of the region’s busiest lines prompted the city to experiment with temporary bus lanes, reoriented streets, and free bikeshare.
Study To Assess Climate Mitigation Options for East Boston
A grant-funded research team will evaluate solutions for shoring up the area’s flood protection strategies and improving access and service on the Blue Line for local residents.
Zoning Board of Appeals Overhaul One Step Toward Approval Process Reform in Boston
Mayor Wu recently overhauled the makeup of Boston’s Zoning Board of Appeals, but bigger changes will be necessary to depoliticize the city’s development approvals process.
The Great American Exodus: A Conservative's Perspective
During his keynote speech on September 11 at the National Conservatism Conference in Miami, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis describes the demographic shifts in America since he became governor in 2019 in what he calls the 'Great American Exodus.'
When Transit-Oriented Development Is Missing the ‘Transit’
Cities, residents, and developers have a renewed interest in building more housing near transit stations—when they actually provide safe, reliable transit.
Boston Launches Ambitious Bike Plan
The city plans to dramatically expand its bike lane network, add to its bike share fleet, and provide new e-bike subsidies to residents.
Will California's EV Rule Spread to Other States?
Last month California banned the sale of new light duty vehicles powered by internal combustion engines by 2035. Over a dozen other states have the ability to adopt the same rule, but will they? The Associated Press investigates nine of them.
Feds Intervene in Boston’s Transit Troubles
The Federal Transit Administration issued a scathing review of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s performance last week, ordering major changes at the Boston area’s transportation agency.
Massachusetts Releases Transit-Oriented Multifamily Housing Rules
Communities near transit stations will have to comply with a new set of regulations that support multifamily development and increased housing density.
Town of Reading
Meridian Consultants
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Harvard GSD Executive Education
City of Piedmont, CA
City of Morganton
St. Louis County, MO
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.
