Massachusetts
MBTA's Capital Spending Plan Subject to Agency-Wide Review
The MBTA’s plan to repair and improve the ailing system means major service disruptions are likely coming. Officials say they want to minimize the pain and suffering of riders.
Boston Mayor's Proposal Would Allow More Increases in City Linkage Fees
Developers pay impact fees to fund affordable housing and job programs, but the mayor wants the city to have more discretion around changing the requirements.
Boston Dedicated Bus Lanes Facing Funding Questions
The bus lanes have improved travel times, but who should cover the costs isn't entirely clear.
Massachusetts Tops California in Emission Reductions
California and Massachusetts use the same name for climate change legislation, Global Warming Solutions Act, and set the same target date for reductions, 2020. Both achieved their targets 2016, but the Bay State had a tougher goal to meet.
New York Times: Transit on West Coast Surging Ahead of East Coast
East Coast transit systems used to be the envy of other cities, but now the West Coast is taking big steps to expand their networks.
Massachusetts Finally Enacts Tax of Short-Term Rentals
The Massachusetts Legislature approved a tax on short-term rentals in July 2018 only to have Governor Charlie Baker amend the bill. The amendments proved only a temporary setback.
In Cities, Transit Isn’t Just for Commuting
A closer look at commuting and ridership shows the differences between urban and suburban transit patterns.
An East Coast Cap-and-Invest Approach to Reducing Transportation Emissions
Nine Mid-Atlantic and Northeast states and the District of Columbia have agreed to work together to develop a policy to price emissions from transportation, set a 'cap' on them, and invest the revenues in low carbon transportation solutions.
A Vision for the Future of Transportation in Massachusetts
A long awaited report on the future of transportation in the Bay State was released last Friday. Among the recommendations: a phaseout on the sales of gas and diesel powered light duty vehicles and allowing cities to enact cordon congestion pricing.
Boston Bridge Separated Bike Lane Might Get the Ax This Winter
MassDOT and cycling advocates don’t agree on what should happen to the Longfellow Bridge’s bike lane in the coming months.
After East Boston Toll Booths Were Automated, Some Miss the Old Way
Construction and increased traffic have Bostonian drivers complaining about slow highways on the city’s East Side.
Carbon Pricing Strategies Under Consideration in Seven States
Several states, and even the federal government, are considering adopting carbon pricing plans.
Virgin Trains, Formerly Brightline, Planning Eight Expansion Corridors
November's bombshell news about the partnership between Virgin and Brightline has now yielded ambitious plans for private investment in intercity rail service.
Video: How to Give Your Bus System a BRT Makeover
Streetfilms explores the efforts of cities in the Boston region tp redesign bus operations.
Never Built Boston
Massive projects stayed a dream in 20th century Boston. Lessons from the failed ideas of the past inform a more complete understanding of the city in the 21st century.
Boston Region Looking for Commuter Rail Fixes
The North-South Rail Link has been under discussion in the Boston region for Decades now. A new 'Rail Vision' process continues the discussion again.
Boston's Metropolitan Area Planning Council Announces Resilience Grant Program
The Accelerating Climate Resiliency Mini Grant Program will award grants to six to 15 projects, policies, and actions to protect people from the impacts of climate change.
Pedestrian Scrambles Benefit Everyone Using Streets
While not yet widely implemented in the United States, scramble intersections make life considerably safer and easier for pedestrians and drivers.
Airbnb Suing Boston Over New Regulations
The front lines of the short-term rental wars shift to the city of Boston.
Somerville Launches 'Urban Lab' for Innovation
The city seeks to incubate creative ideas in the public interest.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
