In urban planning news this week were headlines on how a second Trump presidential term will impact EVs and transportation, Biden’s move to protect federal lands from drilling, and advice for progressive planning in conservative communities.
Here were the 10 most popular stories on Planetizen this week:
1. Biden Administration Moves to Protect Alaskan Refuge From Drilling
CNN reports that the current administration is taking quick action to cement some of Biden’s key environmental accomplishments before the new Trump administration takes the reins.
2. Progressive Planning in Ideologically Conservative Communities
Planetizen blogger Todd Litman explores how progressive planners can address community goals in conservative jurisdictions that are skeptical of new issues and perspectives.
3. Robotaxis Wreak Havoc on Urban Transit
Cities of the Future chronicles how robotaxis, championed by companies like Waymo and Cruise, are a marvel of modern technology and a flashpoint for debate over their place in urban transit.
4. The Future of Electric Vehicles Under Trump
Will Elon Musk’s influence temper Trump’s anti-EV stance? An article from Wired explores the possibilities.
5. Auto Insurance Rates Spike Due to Extreme Weather
According to an article in Grist, car insurance costs around the country are going up as insurers receive more claims from areas struck by storms and other climate disasters.
Planetizen blogger Micheal Lewyn posits that President Trump's election might not be a disaster for local transit, assuming Republican politicians listen to urban voters who swung right in the 2024 election.
7. Lexington, Kentucky Passes Urban Growth Plan
Lexington, Kentucky approved a new Urban Growth Master Plan that sets out requirements for mixed-use development, according to the Lexington Times.
8. Baltimore Traffic Suffering From Absence of Key Bridge
The loss of a key route to the Port of Baltimore is causing major delays and long detours on alternate routes, particularly for large trucks because of cargo restrictions through local traffic tunnel, reports the Baltimore Banner.
9. Where Are Rents Growing Fastest?
The Washington, D.C. region saw the nation’s fastest rent growth in the last year, according to Redfin data.
10. Amtrak Expanding Service in California’s Central Valley
A Modesto Bee article outlines Amtrak’s plans a major expansion to the passenger rail lines connecting the Central Valley and the Bay Area.
What other urban planning news we’re reading:
- A new addition of the Healthy and Climate-Resilient report by the Bupa, C40 Cities and the Norman Foster Foundation urges planners and city leaders to put health at the heart of urban development. (Forbes)
- This Q&A with Henry Grabar, author of Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World — one of Planetizen’s 2023 Top Books about how raising the cost of parking in Philadelphia could help build more affordable housing. (The Philadelphia Citizen)
- Potable water is a finite resource, and it’s facing multiple pressures that could make it harder to come by. (Fast Company)
- Deb Haaland, the U.S.’s first-ever indigenous cabinet secretary says she is righting historical wrongs. (NPR)
In case you missed it:
Post-election, many in President Elect Donald Trump’s circle have indicated alignment with the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025. Check out three articles and one video on how the conservative policy platform could impact public policy:
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Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
San Antonio Remains Affordable as City Grows
The city’s active efforts to keep housing costs down through housing reforms and coordinated efforts among city agencies and developers have kept it one of the most affordable in the nation despite its rapid population growth.
What Forest Service Cuts Mean for Cities
U.S. Forest Service employees work on projects that have impacts far beyond remote, rural wilderness areas.
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.
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