On some busy blocks, Uber and Lyft drivers have nowhere safe to park. Neither do parcel delivery personnel. Shared use mobility zones could address the problem.

"For nearly a century," Greg Rogers writes, "cities have used curb space designations to serve a set of well-defined purposes: mostly short and long term parking, but also freight deliveries, taxi stands, bus stops, and handicap accessibility." But as urban transport evolves, curb space may also require some tweaks.
In short, says Rogers, "TNCs [transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft] do not have a home on our streets, and freight vehicles do not have enough commercial loading zones and parking places to accommodate booming ecommerce."
Designating short stretches of curb as shared use mobility (SUM) zones, particularly at the beginnings and ends of blocks, could reduce the congestion and safety risks of forcing those drivers to pause amidst traffic.
"Outside of peak hours, these spaces could be converted back to regular parking spaces for consumer vehicles or, where needed, be designated as freight and parcel delivery zones to prevent congestion caused by double-parked trucks." While installing SUMs would mean removing some roadside parking, traffic snarls might also clear.
FULL STORY: Ahead of the Curb: The Case for Shared Use Mobility (SUM) Zones

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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