Over 13 million Americans face mobility challenges that limit their travel experience.

Writing in Prism, Bianca Gonzales describes the work of the Disability Mobility Initiative, a program in Washington state that aims to draw attention to the needs of transit riders with disabilities. “Since its inception, the initiative has been compiling stories from non-drivers throughout the state and documenting them in the Transportation Access for Everyone StoryMap. It includes interviews with more than 270 non-drivers about the barriers they face when navigating their communities.”
The article points out that “According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 13.4 million Americans between the ages of 18 and 64 have self-reported travel-limiting disabilities. Only 1 in five of people within this group work full time or part time, while 3 out of 4 Americans without disabilities aged 18-64 work.”
Transit is a key factor in whether people with disabilities, the elderly, and other groups can access jobs, healthcare, and other amenities. “Pregnant women, both with and without disabilities, who rely on public transportation face challenges in accessing health care, which can lead to an increased risk of developmental disabilities for children as well as maternal mortality.”
According to a DMI report, “Transportation agencies should ensure transit connects riders to key destinations where medical services, education, and recreation are offered. They should coordinate between jurisdictions to reduce transfer wait times and develop and improve tools to help riders anticipate the arrival of their busing system and increase overall consistency.”
FULL STORY: Disabled riders need comprehensive public transportation planning

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.

Greening Oakland’s School Grounds
With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.

California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas
Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.

Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship
In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland