Projects on roadways maintained by the state DOT will have to comply with Complete Streets requirements as part of a broader effort to reduce traffic deaths in the state.

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) issued a new, department-wide Complete Streets policy, signaling a renewed commitment to improving road safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
According to an announcement from MDOT, “the Complete Streets policy will ensure MDOT’s multi-billion-dollar capital program funds safe, complete streets for all Marylanders.”
Complete Streets requirements will apply to capital improvement projects, new or reconstructed streets connecting to MDOT rights-of-way, and “When there is an opportunity to improve safety for all users by applying proactive engineering safety countermeasures to resurfacing projects.”
The policy requires each MDOT mode or transportation type to develop strategies for implementation within the next six months “with the goal of increasing equitable access to the transportation network — from better transit connections to safer crossings.” It also focuses on driver education and traffic enforcement.
The statement notes, “The policy applies to new projects and is not retroactive for ones that have achieved 30% or more design and approval pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) or that will achieve those milestones by December 1.”
FULL STORY: Maryland Transportation Secretary Wiedefeld Implements New Statewide Complete Streets Policy

San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.

The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.

Has President Trump Met His Match?
Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

USDOT Eliminates Environmental, Equity Considerations
A new memo rescinds Biden-era regulations that prioritized renewable energy, accessibility, and equity for historically disadvantaged communities.

Study: Drops in Transit Ridership Linked to Extreme Weather
Unsurprisingly, people are less likely to use transit during extreme weather events, which are becoming more common around the country.

Washington State May Cap Rent Increases at 7 Percent
House Bill 1217 was passed by the House and will move next to the state Senate.
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.
Resource Assistance for Rural Environments
City of Edmonds
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research