United States

A Green Governor Vetoes Electric Vehicle Legislation
Washington Gov. Jay Insee distinguished himself in the 2020 presidential Democratic primary as the "climate candidate," yet he vetoed a section of a transportation electrification bill that set a goal of ending sales of gas-powered cars by 2030.

Study: When Women Ride Bikes, Everyone Rides More
New research indicates a positive association between overall cycling levels and ridership rates for women-identified riders.

How Much Will Buttigieg Change Federal Transportation Policy?
The USDOT secretary is making big promises, but an entrenched system makes it difficult to implement long-lasting, systemic change.

Report Breaks Down Pandemic Rent Burdens by State and Metro Area
The share of U.S. households facing rent debt is decreasing as the economy begins to recover from the pandemic, but rent debt is still concentrated by geography and demographics around the country.

Insufficient Infrastructure Funding Cited as Top Concern by 91% of Cities
In a survey by the National League of Cities, local leaders overwhelmingly cited a lack of funding as a top factor affecting infrastructure decisions.

The Numerous Obstacles—Past and Present—Facing Black Homeowners
Black Americans pay a higher price to be homeowners—and the number of those who can afford to pay that price is dropping quickly.

Will CDC's Revised Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People Prolong the Pandemic?
The CDC abruptly changed its masking guidance on May 13 to further distinguish behavior for those who are fully vaccinated from those who are not, prompting states, counties and businesses to end indoor mask mandates and social distancing.

As Home Prices Rise, So Does the Number of Renters
The intense competition in today's housing market means more people might have to settle for rental housing.

FEMA Offers Full Reimbursement for Pandemic Shelter Costs—But Cities Are Still Jittery
Cities and counties have been slow to take advantage of the promise of full and retroactive FEMA reimbursement to expand emergency housing programs, frustrating housing advocates. What’s getting in the way?

Big Tech Flirts With Community Development
Facing calls to invest in racial equity, companies like Netflix, Twitter, and others have recently pledged millions in new financing for affordable housing, small businesses, and other community development projects. Will they stick around?

If You Build It, Cars Will Come: the Common-Sense Logic of 'Induced Demand'
Highway expansion has been shown, time and again, to increase traffic and congestion. Cities are finally getting the message.

Pandemic Paradox: World's Most Vaccinated Country Also the Most Infected
Is the lesson from the Seychelles, an African archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, that all COVID-19 vaccines are not the same? If so, that could spell trouble for other countries relying on the Sinopharm and Covishield vaccines.

Recovery Fund Aims to Save Live Music Venues
A new real estate investment fund wants to help music venue owners buy their properties and stay in business as the pandemic and market forces decimate their earnings.

The Future of Transportation: Well-Funded Buses (Not Self-Driving Cars)
While autonomous vehicles still face regulatory and technical challenges, investment in basic transportation infrastructure like buses and bike lanes can go a long way toward improving safety and taking cars off the road.

Study: New Markets Tax Credit 'Does What it Promises, Most of the Time'
The program, which gives tax credits to investors, has resulted in added jobs, increased incomes, and low rates of displacement.

Dollar Stores Close to Half of New Store Openings in 2021
Expanding wealth inequality has contributed to the explosive growth of "dollar store" retailers.

Local Control and the Housing Crisis
The unchecked power of individual city councilmembers has, in some cases, restricted housing development and fueled corruption.

Orlando Now Less Affordable than San Francisco
An analysis of housing affordability shows rising costs in America's smaller cities.

Reopening New York, New Jersey and Connecticut: Is May 19 Too Soon?
Coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths are dropping in the U.S. Govs. Andrew Cuomo, Phil Murphy, and Ned Lamont jointly announced on May 3 that their states would lift most restrictions on May 19. Experts and residents have mixed reactions.

New Developments Lower Rents in Surrounding Neighborhoods, Study Says
A study that made the rounds as a working paper at the beginning of 2019 has now been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
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Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
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