The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

'Vision Zero 2.0' Launched When Vision Zero 1.0 Didn't Save Any Lives

Toronto has gone back to the drawing board for more effective strategies and tactics for reducing traffic fatalities after its first attempt failed to produce any measurable results.

July 18 - The Star

Construction

Low-Income Housing Tax Credits Lose Luster in the Post-GOP Tax Reform World

Fewer people investing in low-income housing tax credits means fewer affordable housing units being built—at a time when affordable units are in extremely short supply.

July 18 - The Sacramento Bee

Capitol Hill

Congress Calls Out the Trump Administration for Transit Funding Delays

The chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure used the word "unlawful," when describing the tardy delivery of allocated capital investment funding by the Federal Transit Administration under the Trump administration.

July 17 - Streetsblog USA

Security Camera

Once a Surveillance Secret, Palantir Manual Becomes Public

The secret manual for the use of facial recognition and data collection software company Palantir was made public thanks to a FOIA request. It includes instructions on how to find a complete account of a person's movements.

July 17 - Motherboard

Boston Housing

Study Shows Segregation Linked to Housing Shortage in Massachusetts

A study from the Boston Foundation shows that besides homelessness and housing costs, Massachusetts housing debt also fuels the racial wealth gap and segregation.

July 17 - The Boston Globe


Autonomous Vehicles

Self-Driving and Electric Vehicles, Over Promised and Under Delivered

The slow progress of autonomous vehicle and electric vehicle technology in gaining widespread traction in the transportation market is casting doubt on the ambitious statements of a few years prior.

July 17 - Fast Company

Foster + Partners

'Tulip Tower' Doesn't Clear the Mayor's Desk in London

A 984-foot tower, with an observation deck, shaped like a tulip, won over planners, but not the mayor, in London.

July 17 - The Architect's Newspaper


New York City Hotel

Small Hotels a Non-Starter After Zoning Change in New York City

A local labor organization wanted larger hotels to help workers create unions, so they sought a zoning change to make it harder to develop smaller hotels in light manufacturing zones.

July 17 - The Real Deal

Homeless Cars

A 'Safe' Parking Lot for the Homeless Proposed in San Francisco

If approved, a new facility in San Francisco will allow homeless people living in RVs and vans a safe place to park. Access to support services will also be available at the site.

July 17 - San Francisco Chronicle

Philadelphia, Pennsyvlania

Study: Not All Gentrification Effects Are Equal

A comprehensive national study finds that for many original residents of gentrifying neighborhoods, the effects of gentrification can have positive effects.

July 17 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Dolores Park

Infographic: Space Allocation by Population in 15 U.S. Cities

A new infographic breaks down how much space is devoted to buildings, green space, and roads in 15 major U.S. cities.

July 17 - Geotab

New York

Lawsuit Challenges New York's Brand New Rent Regulations

The landlord lobby isn't accepting defeat.

July 17 - The New York Times

Supermarket Japan

Experiencing the City in the Supermarket

Grocery stores are more than just places to buy food. They’re the universal gateway to city life and culture.

July 16 - New York Magazine

Wildfire Season

Seattle Clean-Air Shelters to Provide Relief to Residents

Wildfires have caused the city’s air quality to plummet in recent years. The new shelters will give residents a break when the air is not fit to breathe.

July 16 - CityLab

Flooding

Moving People Out of Flood Zones Is a Win-Win Strategy

As the threat of flooding increases, buyout programs to relocate homeowners are a better alternative to rebuilding—for cities and residents.

July 16 - The New York Times

Hilton Hotel Harbor Island San Diego

Airbnb Limitations Fall Short in California Legislature

A state bill that would have limited the number of short-term rentals in the coastal areas of San Diego County has been delayed until next year's legislative session.

July 16 - San Diego Union-Tribune

Parked Van

The 'Vanlord' Providing Shelter to L.A.'s Homeless

A creative rental industry has emerged in Los Angeles as the affordable housing crisis grows.

July 16 - Santa Monica Daily Press

New York Subway

Research: Transit Times Determine Social Networks

A social network analysis, touted as the largest ever, reveals the importance of mobility for social connections.

July 16 - Slate

Denver Union Station

Uber Says Denver Transit Riders Are Buying Tickets Through Its App

Denver travelers can now access transit schedules and purchase tickets through the Uber app. Uber says increased ticket sales show that integrating rideshare and transit makes sense.

July 16 - The Denver Post

CTA Chicago

Trade War With China Impacts Transit Investments in Chicago

A 25 percent tariff on steel imports could eventually be passed to transit riders in the form of higher fares.

July 16 - The Chicago Tribune

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