Gov. Charlie Baker
CDC Not Yet On Board with Ending Masking Requirements
Blue states have joined red ones in ending masking orders as COVID cases plummet, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is sticking to its guidance: where transmission is 'high' or 'substantial,' universal indoor masking is recommended.
Massachusetts Reopens, But Too Early?
Many coronavirus restrictions were lifted on Monday in Massachusetts by Gov. Charlie Baker due to falling COVID cases and hospitalizations, but many experts feel the move is too hasty and could lead to a resurgence in the virus.
Part II: The New Regionalism of the Coronavirus Pandemic
Part I was shutting down the economy on a multi-state basis in the absence of federal leadership. Part II will be opening them up in spite of federal assertiveness.
Hoboken First U.S. City to Shut Down Restaurants and Bars and Issue Curfew
Restaurants and bars shut down on Sunday due to the coronavirus. On Monday, a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew becomes effective. According to a Harvard University public health expert, "Hoboken probably is the model we all need to move towards now."
Massachusetts Conflict: Gas Tax or Carbon Charge on Fuel to Fund Transit?
The Democratic House just passed a gas tax increase that the Republican governor opposes because he wants his state to join the Transportation and Climate Initiative, a carbon pricing program applicable to fuel. Both measures will fund transit.
Massachusetts Legislators Fear Hidden Gas Tax in Transportation and Climate Initiative
Gov. Charlie Baker (R) supports a multi-state proposal to mitigate tailpipe emissions that would increase gas prices and pay for transit projects in an $18 billion transportation bond. A bill has been introduced to ensure that doesn't happen.
No 'Housing Choice' Bill in Massachusetts This Year
The key item on the housing agenda of Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker will have to wait until next year.
A Vision for the Future of Transportation in Massachusetts
A long awaited report on the future of transportation in the Bay State was released last Friday. Among the recommendations: a phaseout on the sales of gas and diesel powered light duty vehicles and allowing cities to enact cordon congestion pricing.
Massachusetts Governor Sets a Housing Development Agenda
The state of Massachusetts has set a goal to add 135,000 new housing units over the next eight years. To achieve that goal, the state will provide incentives for cities that streamline development approval.
$3 Billion Natural Gas Pipeline Shelved in New England; Controversy Remains
Controversy seems to follow natural gas pipelines everywhere they go, including New England.
Let the Climate Resistance Begin
States and cities are reacting to President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement on Thursday. Three states formed the U.S. Climate Alliance; by Monday, it had grown to 13. Initially 30 mayors signed in support; it's now over 200.
Tougher Background Checks for Massachusetts Uber, Lyft Drivers
The companies' agreement with Governor Charlie Baker's administration requires a state-run check in addition to the usual check through an independent contractor. Fingerprinting, however, will not be required.
Gov. Baker Looks Toward California and Oregon While Vetoing Mileage Fee Pilot Program
A bill to provide $750 million in road and bridge financing was signed by Mass. Gov. Charlie Baker on Wednesday after stripping a provision to apply for a federal grant to conduct a pilot program similar to the California Road Charge Pilot.
Massachusetts Governor Says No to Vehicle Mileage Traveled Fee Pilot
A year ago Massachussetts looked like it could be one of the next states to adopt a vehicle mileage fee program. Not likely under this governor. Baker opposes an amendment that allows the state to apply for federal grant funding to study VMT fees.
Nor'easter a Dud for New York City, But Not New England
What was hyped as one of the worst Nor'easters to hit New York City left Central Park with less than six inches of snow. However, New England and Long Island were not spared. NYC subway, buses, and rail shut down, and driving bans took effect.
Op-Ed: New Massachusetts Leadership Must 'Think Big' on Housing
The state of Massachusetts has set a goal to establish 10,000 apartments and condos a year, but what will it take to deliver on that ambitious agenda, especially after the state's new political leadership takes over?
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.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
