Government / Politics

Baltimore MTA Bus

Bus Transit Still Faces Social Stigma

Improving headways and making service more reliable can help reduce the negative public image faced by urban bus transit.

September 3, 2021 - Transit Time

Pennsylvania

Opinion: Philly's Regional Transit Needs More Funding

The region's planning commission is pouring billions into highway widening projects while neglecting its public transit needs.

September 2, 2021 - WHYY

Tilikum Crossing

Scooter Laws That Could Also Apply to Drivers

E-scooters are governed by hundreds of regulations aimed at improving the safety of riders and pedestrians. Is it time to apply them to cars, too?

September 2, 2021 - Streetsblog USA

Washington D.C. Row Houses

Report: D.C. Housing Too Decentralized

Over the last three decades, the D.C. region has seen the most development in far-flung exurbs disconnected from area jobs and transit networks.

September 2, 2021 - Brookings Institution

Chicago ADA Access

Centering Non-Drivers Would Improve Infrastructure for All

Inadequate infrastructure disproportionately harms people with mobility challenges who can't or don't drive, but their needs closely mirror those of all pedestrians.

September 1, 2021 - Streetsblog USA

Homes

The Limits of Citywide Upzoning

A study shows zoning reform isn't a silver bullet for the housing crisis. In some low-income and BIPOC neighborhoods, it could 'cause more harm than good.'

September 1, 2021 - Next City

Toll Road

Texas Ends Contract With Toll Road Operator

Citing "lackluster service," the department will be seeking a new technology provider.

August 31, 2021 - Houston Chronicle

TECO Line Streetcar System

These Tampa Projects Could Benefit From the Federal Infrastructure Bill

The city's aging streetcar line and historic Cass Street Bridge are among projects that could receive federal funding if Congress passes the current infrastructure package.

August 31, 2021 - Fox 13

Houston Metro

Can Houston Rein In Its Famous Sprawl?

The city's unabated growth has made it a bustling hub of industry and commerce, but can it sustain its unmitigated outward sprawl?

August 31, 2021 - Houston Chronicle

San Francisco Muni

Where Did the Federal Transit Funding Go?

The final infrastructure deal cutting by more than half the transit funding proposed in the American Jobs Plan.

August 31, 2021 - Eno Transportation Weekly

New York City Public Housing Project

What is Public Housing?

Born out of the progressive ideals of the New Deal and a desire to improve the standard of living in poor urban neighborhoods, American public housing has taken several forms as political opinion about subsidized housing shifts.

August 30, 2021 - Diana Ionescu

Two young people wear masks while standing outside in Florida.

Florida Judge Rules That Governor Overstepped Authority in Banning School Mask Mandates

A group of parents won the first round on Aug. 27 in a state circuit court in a dispute with the governor and state education agencies over the ability of school boards to require all students to wear masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

August 30, 2021 - WFLA

Supreme Court of the United States

Supreme Court Strikes Down Federal Eviction Moratorium

The majority opinion claims the CDC overstepped its authority and calls for congressional approval of any further eviction moratoriums.

August 29, 2021 - New York Times

California

California Assembly Advances Statewide Upzoning Bill

California's Senate Bill 9 would allow up to four housing units on lots traditionally zoned for single-family homes, paving the way for more 'gentle density.'

August 27, 2021 - The New York Times

New York City, New York

Rents Rise in New York City Even as Eviction Crisis Mounts

Although many tenants are still waiting for rental assistance funds to avoid eviction, rents are rising steadily in the city's wealthiest boroughs.

August 27, 2021 - The New York Times

An image of a sign asking people to wear masks during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Louisiana's Health Care System on Brink of Collapse

We've been here many times before in the pandemic, but without the benefit of a vaccine. Gov. John Bel Edwards, one of a few governors to mandate mask-wearing indoors, warns of a collapse of the health care system, but also rules out restrictions.

August 26, 2021 - The Advocate (Louisiana)

Los Angeles County

Subsidizing High-End Housing for Middle-Class Renters

Using joint power authorities, local governments can purchase luxury buildings, avoid property taxes, and offer lower rents for qualifying tenants.

August 26, 2021 - Los Angeles Times

Highway Construction

How the Environmental Review Process Privileges Highway Construction Over Transit

U.S. transit projects have a much harder time getting environmental approval than road projects, perpetuating the dominance of cars in U.S. transportation policy.

August 25, 2021 - Slate

Inside Washington DC Union Station

D.C. Transit Implementing Major Changes, Hopes to Boost Ridership

Flat fares, reduced wait times, and extended late-night service are all part of a package of changes meant to bring riders back and adjust to post-pandemic travel patterns.

August 25, 2021 - Governing

Uber Car

California Judge Renders Gig Worker Law Unenforceable

A judge ruled against California's Proposition 22, which let ride-hailing and delivery businesses classify workers as independent contractors and discouraged unionization efforts.

August 24, 2021 - Los Angeles Times

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.