Virginia
How Virginia Counties Use Zoning to Stifle Development
Some state legislators are proposing action at the state level as counties block development using zoning and development requirements even as housing prices rise sharply in the region.
The Benefits of Walking in Urban Green Spaces
A new study by researchers in Virginia found that walking in a quiet urban setting with shade and greenery can significantly improve mood and reduce stress.
How High Costs Derailed Richmond’s Speed Limit Change
After voting to lower speed limits citywide, Richmond found itself with a $5.2 million bill for new signage, prompting the city council to pull the ordinance.
Want to Swim in the Potomac? Army Corps to Study the Possibility
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers could soon study how to legalize swimming in the rivers around the nation’s capital—a scenario that would have seemed impossible in the not-too-distant past.
The Crucial Role of Suburban Voters in the Midterms
Suburban voters were instrumental in preventing a 'red wave' on Election Day and on December 6 in the Georgia U.S. Senate runoff election, enabling the Democrats to win a 51st Senate seat.
Shifting the Focus for Transportation Planning in Fairfax County
Fairfax County wants to move away from a heavy reliance on level of service in favor of more pedestrian- and transit-oriented planning.
Causes and Effects of Widespread Data Center Development
While it’s unlikely to expect local and state governments to insist that data center developments locate somewhere else, specific policy steps can ensure a more positive impact for communities.
Fairfax County Considering Bicycle Parking Minimums
Similar to vehicle parking requirements, the proposal would create a tiered system for minimum bike parking spots in new developments.
A New Transit Oriented Vision for Fairfax County, Virginia
A new transit station area plan is reaching the finishing line for the Huntington Metro station, serving the WMATA’s Yellow Line in Northern Virginia.
Alexandria Could Undertake Major Zoning Reform
The city is developing a plan to address housing affordability and equity and encourage more housing production.
Virginia Amtrak Ridership Soars Above Pre-Pandemic Levels
The four state-managed Amtrak lines are seeing increases of as much as 65 percent in ridership.
The United Nations Calls on U.S. Planners to Break Land Use, Transportation Status Quo
“We are on a highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator.”
Housing Density Dividing Voters in Arlington County
The race for the county’s only board seat pits proponents of ‘missing middle housing and higher density against residents concerned about outsized growth.
Virginia Office of Trails Allocated $89 Million
The newly formed agency is tasked with developing and improving trail networks in the state.
Richmond Transit to Add Bus Stop Benches, Shelters
The region’s transit agency plans to install new benches and shelters at as many as 75 percent of bus stops systemwide.
How Banks Perpetuate Overbuilt Parking
Even as cities and states are reducing or eliminating parking requirements, lenders often require parking to release loans to developers.
Meet Virginia’s Newest Variable Toll Lanes
Recently opened express lanes on a nine-mile stretch of Interstate 66 will now charge variable tolls based on traffic congestion.
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.
Virginia’s Intercity Rail Investments Paying Off in New Ridership
State-supported rail lines in Virginia set a new ridership record in July.
D.C. Could Lead the Downtown Office Conversion Trend
Many urban cores around the country are faced with increasing office vacancies concurrently with a housing affordability crisis caused, at least in part, by a lack of supply. D.C. is particularly primed for a wave of adaptive reuse.
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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.
