In case you missed them, here were the biggest urban planning news items, features, and blogs from last month, including 15 new Amtrak routes, Florida’s EV law, California’s rail update, fare-free buses in Tucson, and more.
July saw a bevy of big transportation headlines, including Amtrak’s ambitious new routes designed to improve connectivity across the country, a recent Florida law centralizing the regulation of electric vehicle chargers, the latest developments on California’s high-speed rail, Tucson’s fare-free bus system decision, and more. Check out these stories, as well as an in-depth feature on pre-approved housing plans from Dan Parolek, a rundown of technologies shaping the future of urban planning, and an update on a Florida lawsuit against short term rental ordinances.
Here were the most popular articles on Planetizen last month:
1. Amtrak Reveals Plans for 15 New Routes
Amtrak announced plans for 15 new routes, including lines connecting Los Angeles, Denver, and Seattle through Utah. These routes aim to enhance rail service in rural areas and significantly reduce travel times between major cities.
2. Florida Law Bars Cities From Regulating EV Chargers
A new Florida law prevents cities from regulating electric vehicle charging infrastructure or including it in local building codes, centralizing that authority with the state’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
3. Top 10 Public Transit Cities in the US
Rent.com ranked the top 10 U.S. cities for public transit. New York City captured the top spot, followed by Boston, Washington, D.C, and San Francisco. Check out the article to see which cities rounded out the rest of the list.
4. 12 Technologies That Will Shape Future of Urban Planning
Forbes identified technologies that will have the biggest impact on urban planning, with the promise to improve urban mobility, efficiency, and resource management.
5. California High-Speed Rail Gains Final Approval
The California High-Speed Rail project received final approval for its last segment despite a $100 billion funding gap.
6. The Good, the Bad, and the Ethical: A Moral Philosopher's Perspective on Sustainable Urban Mobility
This Planetizen-exclusive blog post examines the ethics of sustainable urban mobility a la Chidi from The Good Place.
7. Top 10 Tips for Cities Considering Pre-Approved Housing Plans
The feature story from missing middle housing champion Dan Parolek provides ten tips for cities considering pre-approved housing plans to streamline development processes and enhance housing affordability.
8. Tucson Keeps Buses Fare-Free
Tucson has decided to keep its bus system fare-free for at least another year. This initiative, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to increase public transit ridership and is part of the city's climate action plan.
9. Federal Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Short-Term Rental Ordinance
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging Summit County, Colorado's short-term rental ordinance, which limits the number of rental licenses by neighborhood and caps the number of annual bookings.
10. Applying the New Traffic Safety Paradigm
Planetizen blogger Todd Litman discusses the application of a new traffic safety paradigm that focuses on reducing vehicle miles traveled to improve safety.
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How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
NYC-to-Scranton Train Advocates Confident About Project’s Future
State transportation officials say the effort to restore passenger rail service between Scranton and New York City is moving full steam ahead despite remaining challenges.
Amtrak Expanding Service in California’s Central Valley
Amtrak is planning a major expansion to the passenger rail lines connecting the Central Valley and the Bay Area.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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