Government / Politics

The California Dream is Becoming Less Achievable
Anti-growth forces have made it close to impossible for many young people and newcomers to gain the upward mobility that has defined the state's success.

High Housing Costs Could Keep Inflation Rising
After last year's precipitous drops, rents are rising again in cities around the country, which could signal sustained inflation.

Chicago's New Strategic Plan for Transportation Prioritizes Equity and Accountability
The plan calls for safer streets, more equitable distribution of resources, and expanded community engagement.

Does Highway Removal Make Cities Healthier?
Highway removal can improve the air quality and health of the immediate environment, but displacement and gentrification threaten to exclude former residents from the benefits.

In Extreme Heat Waves, Cities Need 'Social Resilience' to Help the Most Vulnerable
This summer's heat waves wreaked havoc on physical infrastructure, but also highlighted vulnerabilities in our social support systems.

The Complexities of the '15-Minute City'
What does a '15-minute city' truly mean–and how achievable is it in the U.S.?

Opinion: Boost Public Car Share to Reduce Private Vehicle Ownership
Research shows that consistent access to shared cars drastically reduces car ownership rates, but U.S. regulations often impede success for private fleets.

Breaking News: 'Vision Zero' Resolution Introduced in Congress
The resolution acknowledges the epidemic of traffic fatalities and calls on DOT to focus on traffic safety with the goal of reducing roadway deaths to zero by 2050.

Austin Selects Two Potential Sites for Sanctioned Encampments
The city plans to install temporary housing and facilities as part of its efforts to reduce homelessness and help people move into permanent housing.

Living (and Dying) with COVID: How Many Deaths are Acceptable?
Political analyst Philip Bump asks the "unstated, unpleasant question" that the U.S. has struggled with since the inception of the pandemic, more relevant now with the widespread availability of vaccines that are effective at preventing most deaths.

New Fair Housing Rule Should Address Evictions
HUD's new fair housing rule crucially overlooks the role of evictions in perpetuating residential segregation.

Greater Boston Considers Relaxing ADU Rules as Housing Shortage Deepens
Cities in the region want to increase flexibility for homeowners who want to build 'granny flats' on their property.

Water Thieves are Compromising California's Water Supplies
Theft by illegal marijuana grow operations is straining California's already dwindling water supplies and endangering local communities as authorities lock hydrants and restrict access to water sources.

Coronavirus Litigation: CDC Loses Ability to Regulate Cruise Industry in Win for Florida Governor
In a stunning reversal, a federal appeals court panel on July 23 reversed its ruling issued six days earlier in favor of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after Gov. Ron DeSantis appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court.

Police Don't Make Transit Safer, Report Says
TransitCenter's "Safety for All" report provides a counterargument to the "send more police" response to public safety concerns on public transit systems.

Opinion: Replacing Nuclear Plants Amounts to 'Treadmill Decarbonization'
Shutting down one form of clean energy with plans to replace it with another keeps us running in place, or worse, falling behind on decarbonization goals.

Manufactured Home Residents Face Heightened Hurricane Risks
The unique construction and ownership structure of so-called 'mobile' homes put their residents at increased risk of property damage, financial loss, and death during extreme weather events.

Redlined Neighborhoods Suffer More From Extreme Heat
The recent heat wave in the Pacific Northwest highlighted how historical inequities still affect the health and well-being of low-income and marginalized communities.

Buffalo Development Will Feature the City's First Mobility Hub
The project, which is located near light rail and bus stations, will also include a ride hailing zone, bike parking, and improved pedestrian facilities.

'Unprecedented' Portland Community Benefits Agreement Prioritizes Racial Equity
The Broadway Corridor CBA is designed to create high quality jobs, housing, and opportunities for historically excluded communities.
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