United States

Small house with a red tire swing in front yard in Houston, Texas.

Community Land Trusts Offer Relief From High Housing Costs

The nonprofit model is becoming more popular as communities seek ways to reduce housing costs.

September 26, 2024 - Route Fifty

Large solar panel installation and wind turbines with Southern California desert mountains in background.

Renewable Energy Going to Waste Due to Grid Bottleneck

The equivalent of 480 nuclear reactors’a worth of power generated from renewable sources is being produced but not captured in the U.S. and Europe — a number expected to grow as investment flows into the renewable energy industry.

September 25, 2024 - Nikkei Asia

View from underneath Fremont Bridge in Portland, Oregon over Willamette River.

Over Half of IIJA Funds Still Up for Grabs

Just 40 percent of funds from the massive infrastructure law have been allocated to projects three years after its passage.

September 25, 2024 - Construction Dive

Row of blue intercity buses parked at Washington D.C. Union Station.

Intercity Bus Passengers See Service Evaporate

Facing financial troubles, intercity bus operators are leaving passengers stranded without services in many U.S. markets.

September 25, 2024 - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of green roof on Chicago Cultural Center.

HUD Issues Extreme Heat Playbook

The guide contains actionable steps local and state governments can take to protect vulnerable residents from the impacts of extreme heat.

September 25, 2024 - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Two small wood homes with floodwaters in coastal Louisiana after Hurricane Ida.

Floodplain Development Largely Concentrated in Gulf Coast States

Many U.S. cities use ‘routine’ practices like zoning changes and permitting to discourage development in high-risk flood zones.

September 24, 2024 - Grist

A bouquet of flowers stands in the grass beside a rural road as a car drives by.

11 States With the Most Dangerous Rural Roads

According to a new report, rural roads nationwide see a disproportionate amount of traffic fatalities compared to their urban counterparts. But rural drivers in some states are at greater risk than in others.

September 23, 2024 - tripnet.org

People biking on paved bike trail in Arkansas.

Repositioning Bike and Walking Trails as Essential Infrastructure

Cities and states can access federal transportation funding by including trails in long-range transportation plans.

September 23, 2024 - Go Erie

Man sitting in driver's seat looking at cell phone.

IIHS: Drivers Using ‘Autonomous’ Features More Likely to Be Distracted

Despite warnings that drivers should remain attentive, people behind the wheel of cars equipped with ‘autonomous’ assistance often take their eyes off the road.

September 22, 2024 - Quartz

View of passengers on transit bus at night.

Transit Service Cuts Likely Coming to Your Town

Absent additional state or federal funding, public transit systems across the nation could be forced to reduce service.

September 22, 2024 - Streetsblog USA

The Boring Company

Musk ‘Supercomputer’ Raises Water, Power, and Pollution Concerns in Memphis

The facility, which was completed in just 122 days, was rushed through so quickly, it is still missing environmental permits and infrastructure needed to ensure it doesn’t put stress on the grid or local water supply.

September 20, 2024 - NPR - All Things Considered

Girl wearing Covid mask and backpack getting dropped off by mom at school.

School Drop-Off Traffic Is Causing a Congestion — and Social — Crisis

School drop-off lines are becoming longer and more isolating than ever.

September 20, 2024 - The Atlantic

Oil drilling rig on plain in the Midwest.

Extraction on Tribal Lands Contributes to State Coffers

A recent investigation reveals that profits from oil, grazing, and other uses on state-managed tribal lands are funding off-reservation public institutions.

September 20, 2024 - High Country News

Solar panels installed as shade panels over parking lot with small cars parked underneath.

Commercial Buildings, Parking Lots Offer Significant Potential for Solar Energy

Massive swaths of flat rooftops, garages, and surface parking lots go underutilized. They could be producing renewable energy.

September 19, 2024 - Clean Technica

Close-up of eviction notice taped on house door.

DOJ: ‘Nuisance’ Evictions Could Break Federal Law

Ordinances that allow landlords to evict tenants for nuisance complaints or alleged criminal activity may run afoul of federal protections, the DOJ warns.

September 18, 2024 - Winona Post

Aerial view of cooling towers on data center roof.

Data Center Emissions Far Outpace Tech Company Claims

In-house data centers owned by several major tech companies likely produce over six times as many greenhouse gas emissions as their owners estimate.

September 18, 2024 - The Guardian

Trees in a schoolyard.

Green Schoolyards Offer Respite From Urban Heat

More schools are transforming asphalt-covered playgrounds into shady oases that help reduce temperatures and absorb emissions.

September 18, 2024 - La Voce di New York

Farm workers bending down to pick produce from green rows in field with tractor in background.

Farmworker Housing Program Excludes Many Agricultural Workers

Income restrictions make some farmworkers ineligible for workforce housing, but affordable rural housing remains largely out of reach.

September 17, 2024 - WJCT News

Man and woman watch waterfall in Paley Pocket Park in Manhattan, New York City. Park is filled with white tables and chairs.

Creative Ways to Activate Roofless Buildings and Vacant Lots

Pocket parks aren’t the only way to repurpose underused urban spaces.

September 17, 2024 - Strong Towns

Traffic on a busy city street.

Report: Americans Are Driving More Than Ever

Average vehicle miles driven rose in almost every major metropolitan area between 2019 and 2024.

September 16, 2024 - Bloomberg CityLab

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.