The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Portland Oregon Old Town neon sign and blurred traffic at night.

Portland Transportation Bureau Faces ‘Existential’ Cuts

PBOT’s director says the agency’s impending budget shortfall could imperil even basic transportation and infrastructure services.

February 20 - Willamette Week

Worker in yellow safety vest and hard hat looks up at servers in data center.

California Bills Would Rein in Data Centers’ Energy Use

A series of proposed bills seeks to limit ratepayer increases and ensure data centers report their energy usage and electricity sources.

February 20 - CALmatters

Orange and black "Road Closed" and "High Water" signs blocking a flooded roadway in Florida after a hurricane.

FEMA Suspends Flood Rebuilding Standard

The rule was designed to prevent the rebuilding of government-funded projects in areas prone to repeated floods.

February 20 - Smart Cities Dive

John Bridge Monument (also known as The Puritan), in the northeast corner of the Cambridge Common in Cambridge, Massachusetts with fall foliage on ground.

Cambridge Passes Zoning Reform

Developers can now build housing of up to six stories in the Massachusetts city.

February 20 - Saporta Report

Tiny home village for unhoused reisdents in Torrance, California.

FEATURE

Tiny House Villages for Addressing Homelessness: An Interview with Yetimoni Kpeebi

One researcher's perspective on the potential of tiny homes and owner-built housing as one tool to fight the housing crisis.

February 20 - Mark Tirpak


Cars on a New York City street

USDOT Revokes Approval for NYC Congestion Pricing

Despite the administration’s stated concern for the “working class,” 85 percent of Manhattan commuters use public transit to enter the city.

February 20 - StreetsBlog NYC

Firefighter in yellow uniform stands in grassy field monitoring wildfire in the Everglades, Florida.

Federal Funding Cuts Spark Concern Among Wildland Firefighters

Federal firefighting forces, already underresourced, are being slashed even as wildfires become a year-round problem.

February 19 - Pro Publica


Downtown Los Angeles viewed from Echo Park with lake with artesian fountain in foreground.

A Sustainable Future for LA: Updating the OurCounty Plan

Los Angeles County is updating its Sustainability Plan to refine its vision for climate action, environmental justice, and community well-being, with residents encouraged to participate by taking the OurCounty 2025 Update Community Survey.

February 19 - Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office

Painted bike lane with bike symbol and diamond on street in downtown Toronto, Ontario.

A Troubling Trend of Backlash to Bike Lanes

Some cities are going so far as to rip out protected bike infrastructure that took years of advocacy to build.

February 19 - Momentum Magazine

Geometric glass Seattle Public Library building.

Public Libraries May Be More Relevant Than Ever

Libraries around the country are expanding their services in an effort to become ‘third spaces’ for the community.

February 19 - Governing

Aerial view of suburban mixed-use development outside Austin, Texas with lake in foreground and complex of apartment buildings.

Rents Rose Between December and January

After dropping to a three-year low, U.S. rent costs grew in many major cities.

February 19 - Smart Cities Dive

Close-up of "Bus Lanes - Photo Enforced" sign with camera logo on New York City street pole.

NYC Camera Program Captures 400,000 Bus Lane Violations

Bus speeds increased by as much as 25 percent on some routes after enforcement began last August.

February 19 - StreetsBlog NYC

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

FEATURE

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19 - Greg Flisram

‘Umeke Lā‘au: Culture Medicine art installation - giant wooden sculpture of calabash with people standing inside.

A Monument to Resilience: Native Hawaiian Art Installation Honors History and Healing

The towering ʻUmeke Lāʻau installation by Native Hawaiian artist Meleanna Aluli Meyer, unveiled at Honolulu's city hall, is a powerful symbol of cultural resilience and healing.

February 18 - University of Hawai'i News

Close-up of narge eucalyptus tree.

Rethinking Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Which Trees Should We Plant?

Fire experts emphasize the need to replace highly flammable trees like Mexican fan palms and eucalyptus with fire-resistant species such as oak, sycamore, and toyon, while also strengthening home fire defenses to reduce wildfire risks in California.

February 18 - Los Angeles Times

Aerial view of Fremont, California.

Fremont, California Criminalizes Homelessness, “Abetting” Encampments

Non-profits worry the ordinance, which does not explicitly exempt service providers, will have a chilling effect on unhoused residents and those who offer resources.

February 18 - The Guardian

Crowd of people walking around Viru Gate medieval towers in Tallinn, Estonia.

Estonian Capital Launches Noise Reduction Action Plan

European Union cities are required to create ‘noise maps’ and strategic plans for reducing environmental noise.

February 18 - Smart Cities World

Red painted and curb-protected bike lane in downtown Austin, Texas.

Austin Outlaws Blocking Bike Lanes

Drivers who park in bike lanes will receive citations of up to $300.

February 18 - KUT

Aerial view of South Orange, New Jersey.

BLOG POST

Off-Street Parking in the Midburbs

In several New Jersey cities, eliminating parking requirements has boosted local businesses.

February 18 - Gabe Bailer - PP - AICP - NJ Urbanthinker

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18 - National Parks Traveler

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