The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Three Lessons About Vacancies and Affordable Housing
The New York City Housing and Vacancy Survey was released in February 2017, revealing nuanced realities of the city's housing market.

Trump Administration Eliminates U.S. DOT's Emission Reductions Goals
The Federal Highway Administration recently announced the end of policy requiring state and regional departments of transportation to make goals to reduce emissions and track progress.

Report Offers Guidance on 'Smart City' Investments
"The challenge of paying for smart cities projects" report by Deloitte recommends several steps for making the most of investments in "smart city" technology by city governments.

China Will Drive Electric Vehicle Market
Two new reports on the outlook of electric vehicles paint a bright future for the new technology. No country is more critical than China, where policies will force global auto companies to invest in clean technology if they want to have a future.

Cash-Free Transit: Convenient or Unjust?
Washington, D.C.'s Metro is trying a cashless bus pilot that will last until December.

More Cash for Lawns in Vegas
Las Vegas home and business owners can now receive $3 for every square foot of lawn they replace with less water-intensive landscaping.

Why Are Transit Systems Losing Riders?
Transit in general, and buses in particular, are losing riders, especially during off peak hours. Car pooling is down sharply as well.

Keeping Old Coal Plants Operating Just Became a Matter of National Security
The president hopes to revitalize the nation's sagging coal industry by forcing utilities to purchase power from aging coal and nuclear power plants in the name of national defense. The news is already paying dividends for coal companies.

California to Invest $1 Billion in Electric Trucks, Buses, Charging Infrastructure
The investment comes not from the state legislature but from two regulatory bodies, the Air Resources Board and the Public Utilities Commission, authorizing the expenditure of VW settlement funds and utility ratepayer funds, respectively.

300 Parking Spaces in New York City Now Saved for Car Share Companies
The city is implementing a pilot program that prioritizes shared cars.

20 Finalists Announced in the 'Canada Smart Cities Challenge'
The winner of the Grand Prize for the Canada Smart Cities Challenge will receive $50 million CAD ($38.5 million USD).

FEATURE
Seattle Planning Director Pursues Equity Amid a Pro-Growth Agenda
An interview with Seattle Planning Director Sam Assefa for the latest installment of the "Planners Across America" series.

Lyft to Buy Motivate, One of America's Largest Bike Share Providers
Motivate operates Ford Gobike in the Bay Area, Citi Bike in New York and Divvy in Chicago among other bike share fleets.

Study: Unbundle Parking for the Most Effective Transportation Demand Management
A new study by Mobility Lab makes a strong case for unbundling parking from rent to inspire more sustainable transportation choices.

Start Up Will Buy Your House and Let You Live There for the Rest of Your Life
A new service targeted at seniors buys homes, but lets the previous owner stay.
Houston Metro's Beacons Serve Visually-Impaired Population
A system of beacons will send signals to cell phones in Houston to help bus riders find stops and navigate public transit safely.

Austin Bus System Overhaul Goes Into Effect Today
Fifteen routes will be eliminated and 50 routes altered as part of Capital Metro's bus system redesign, called the "Cap Remap."

Sunday Fun: 'MTA Country' Video Game Recreates the New York Subway Commute
Spend your free time dealing with the frustrations of your commute, but in video game form.
Meet the 'Zero-Carbon' Natural Gas Power Plant
A new natural gas power plant promises a revolution in carbon capture.

Lack of Complete Streets Progress Sparks a Mass Resignation
Members of the Phoenix Complete Streets Advisory Board say the city isn't living up to the promises of its complete streets policy.
Pagination
Ada County Highway District
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
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.