Court Rulings
$4.2 Billion in Washington State Transportation Funding Rescued by the Courts
The Washington Supreme Court struck down an initiative that would have cost state and local governments an estimated $4.2 billion in transportation funding.
U.S. Supreme Court Rules on State-Imposed Social Distancing Restrictions
In a 5-4 decision, the court voted to uphold the prohibition of religious services that was part of California Gov. Gavin Newsom's stay-at-home order. While the restriction had since been loosened, the plaintiff wanted all restrictions removed.
Court Decision Clears the Way for East River Greenway Bike Bridge
A community group had sued to prevent the construction of a bridge in Clara Coffey Park in New York City. The court ruled in the favor of the city's plans.
YIMBYs Prevail on Big Bay Area Mixed-Use Development Proposal
A court ruling in Santa Clara County cleared the way for a large mixed-use development proposal to be built at the location of the Vallco Shopping Mall in Cupertino.
Property Tax System in Delaware Ruled Unconstitutional
A property tax shake up is coming to the state of Delaware. Some will pay more, and some will pay less as the ruling forces assessments to come in line with reality.
Judge Puts Washington's Transportation-Busting Initiative on Hold
Washington state voters expecting to see their vehicle registration fees drop to $30 on Thursday due to the passage of Initiative 976 on Nov. 5 might have to wait much longer after a King County Superior Court judge put the measure on hold.
Court Overrules San Jose on California Housing Law
A court ruling means a state law intended to spur affordable housing development by providing incentives for the sale of surplus public land will apply equally in every city in California.
Driving Ban in Madrid Central Survives Despite Change of Leadership
In sharp contrast to France's yellow vest demonstrations against fuel tax hikes, Madrid residents took to the streets to keep them free of motor vehicles after new leaders were elected who vowed to rescind the driving ban enacted last November.
Will Appeal of Landmark Appeals Court Ruling Allow for Clearing of Tent Cities?
If the Supreme Court hears an appeal of a landmark U.S. Ninth Circuit Court case settled in April, the ruling would have widespread implications for dealing with homeless encampments throughout the West, perhaps nowhere more so than Los Angeles.
Cities Lost Political Power in that 'Other' Supreme Court Ruling Last Month
On June 27, the Supreme Court didn't just rule on the Census Bureau's citizenship question. It also decided that it wasn't their business to consider how congressional districts are drawn, which will likely reduce the influence of cities.
APA Disappointed With Supreme Court's Decision in Takings Case
The decision in Knick v. Township of Scott prompted a response from the American Planning Association.
Dakota Access Pipeline Owners Win Eminent Domain Appeal in Iowa Supreme Court
The Iowa Supreme Court affirmed a lower court ruling that found that the Iowa Utilities Board was justified in giving the private owners of the Dakota Access Pipeline the use of eminent domain. Climate change was considered in the ruling.
State Supreme Court Upholds Food Truck Regulations in Chicago
A question of whose business is suppressing whose in the city of Chicago was decided by the State Supreme Court.
Court Ruling: Chalking Tires Amounts to Unconstitutional Search of Vehicle
A unanimous ruling by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals on April 22 found that the chalking of tires by parking enforcement officers on public streets is a violation of the Fourth Amendment.
Breaking News: Court Blocks Citizenship Question on 2020 Census
A federal judge's decision accuses U.S. Commerce Secretary of playing politics with the U.S. Census.
Judge Sets Back NYC's Attempt to Grab Airbnb's Data
A 2018 law required Airbnb to share the names and addresses of hosts in the New York City. A judge ruled that the mandate violates the 4th Amendment.
Court: It's Cruel and Unusual Punishment to Ban Homeless From Sleeping on Streets
A 2009 law that banned sleeping in public spaces has been ruled unconstitutional by a federal appeals court.
Federal Judge Strikes Down Oakland's Ban on Coal Exports
Shipping coal from Utah to export to Asia through a new cargo facility in Oakland, California took a significant step forward on May 15 with a strongly worded ruling condemning the adequacy of the city of Oakland's environmental analysis.
EPA Loses Court Ruling After Failing to Identify Smog Nonattainment Regions
As a result of a federal court ruling on March 12, the Environmental Protection Administration will be compelled to do what it should have done by October 1: Identify regions of the country where the air quality violates smog standards.
State Supreme Court Deals Setback for Philly Casino Proposal
Regulatory issues have delayed a proposed casino mega-development in South Philadelphia.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
City of Santa Clarita
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
