The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

U.S. Supreme Court

Will the Supreme Court’s Chevron Decision Impact Environmental Regulations?

By overturning the Chevron doctrine, the Supreme Court stripped federal agencies like the EPA of final say when interpreting ambiguous legislative policies, leaving future decisions up to judges.

July 1 - Grist

Four oil wells sillhouetted against the sunset.

Oil Industry Withdraws Ballot Measure, Shifts to Legal Fight Over California Well Restrictions

California's oil industry has withdrawn its ballot measure challenging a law that restricts oil and gas wells near homes and schools, opting to contest the law in court.

June 30 - Cal Matters

Two young women hiking at golden hour.

LA County Parks Celebrates 80 Years with Free Summer Programs

The department has launched the ‘Let’s Play Outside’ campaign as part of its celebration of eight decades of fostering connections between LA County residents and the great outdoors.

June 30 - MyNewsLA

Aerial bird's eye view of unhoused encampment along roadside in Sacramento, California.

Supreme Court Upholds Unhoused Sleeping Ban

The decision sets the stage for what could be a fierce battle over homelessness policy.

June 30 - NPR

Blurred pedestrians walkingon NYC sidewalk with blurred yellow cab in background.

NYC Officials Split on Jaywalking Decriminalization

While some council members say the ‘outdated’ practice disproportionately impacts Black and Latino residents, law enforcement officials say its a necessary measure for road safety.

June 30 - StreetsBlog NYC


Vancouver Skyline

Vancouver City Council Eliminates Parking Mandates, Supports TOD

In a significant step for more diverse housing and transit-friendly development, the Vancouver City Council eliminated parking minimums and adopted a Transit-Oriented Areas (TOA) policy.

June 28 - City of Vancouver

View of green oil wells in a residential neighborhood in California.

Repurposing Oil Fields Into Parks: Advancing Just Transition and Community Well-being

The concept of a "just transition" extends beyond workers to encompass broader social and environmental dimensions, including the restoration and regeneration of land and communities affected by oil extraction activities.

June 28 - National Recreation and Park Association Open Space Blog


View of city skyline in red smog indicating extreme heat.

BLOG POST

The Heat Is On: Rising Temperatures Strain Urban Infrastructure

This summer is predicted to be one of the hottest on record, and heat waves will likely put physical and social infrastructure to the test.

June 28 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up of U.S. Supreme Court building with "Equial Justice Under the Law" carving across top.

BLOG POST

SCOTUS Watch: Power of Federal Agencies Likely to be Restricted

A 1984 landmark Supreme Court ruling empowering federal agencies to interpret statutes when there is uncertainty is being challenged. The outcome will impact federal regulatory authority throughout government, particularly environmental protection.

June 28 - Irvin Dawid

Aerial view of Champs Elysees boulevard in Paris, France.

‘Grand Boulevards’ Could Ease Housing Crisis

A prominent urbanist argues that redeveloping commercial corridors with denser housing could bridge the gap between the housing supply and demand.

June 27 - Congress For New Urbanism

View of Puente Hills landfill site in Los Angeles County.

California Allocates $12.5 Million for Landfill-to-Park Transformation

The grant will help to convert a 142-acre site, a portion of the former Puente Hills Landfill, into Los Angeles County's first new regional park in over 30 years.

June 27 - Waste Today

Curve in mountain highway along Teton Pass with snowy Wyoming mountains in background.

Mountain Road Collapses Force Isolation, Long Commutes

Threats to aging transportation infrastructure are putting remote communities at risk of being cut off from essential services.

June 27 - High Country News

Tree fallen on home in Texas afetr Hurricane Harvey.

Reining in Rising Property Insurance Rates

There are many proposed ways to mitigate the property insurance cost crisis. They all require action from federal or state governments.

June 27 - Shelterforce Magazine

Panoramic view of downtown Denver, Colorado.

Colorado Renter ‘Cash Back’ Program Rewards On-Time Rent Payments

The state is exploring a program that gives people a cash incentive for paying rent to offer renters some of the financial incentives homeowners receive.

June 27 - Next City

Aerial view of Rapidan Dam failure in June 2024.

Minnesota Dam Failure Highlights Nationwide Danger

The Rapidan Dam isn’t the only one at risk of imminent failure.

June 27 - The Washington Post

Worker in safety vest leaning over expressing heat exhaustion standing next to orange shipping container.

Extreme Heat’s Far-Reaching Impacts

Heat is associated with worsened mental health, poorer test scores, and even higher car crash rates.

June 27 - Fast Company

Close-up of 2 Avenue sign on column in NYC subway station with train passing by in background.

New York MTA Upholds Pause on Congestion Pricing, Scales Back Projects

The agency will not be able to go forward with former plans to improve station facilities and transit safety, and expand service.

June 27 - Smart Cities Dive

Aerial view of San Jose, California with mountains in background.

BLOG POST

Managing Unsheltered Homelessness in San Jose

As California and other Western states await a SCOTUS ruling that will greatly affect how cities deal with tent encampments, a new stakeholder is causing big changes in how Northern California's largest city deals with its unsheltered population.

June 26 - Irvin Dawid

California's State Library Park Pass Program Renewed Amid Budget Challenges

Californians can continue to access state parks for free by borrowing passes from their local libraries, thanks to the renewal of a state program.

June 26 - Los Angeles Times

Burned car sits in front of burned house in forest in Paradise, California after the Camp Fire.

Paradise Lost: Long-Time Residents Priced out of Fire-Devastated Town

The California community lost 85 lives and tens of thousands of homes. Now, high housing and rebuilding costs are forcing many former residents out.

June 26 - SF Gate

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