Technology

Japan High Speed Rail

That D.C.-Baltimore Maglev Concept: An Update

Maglev high-speed rail, financed (partially) by Japan, is still under consideration for the stretch between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. It would take a princely sum to build.

February 1, 2017 - Greater Greater Washington

Blue City

White Paper: Bringing Online Learning Into the Planning Classroom

A pilot program in Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo's City and Regional Planning Department explored the potential for an online video course platform to enrich and extend curriculum.

January 31, 2017 - William Riggs

San Francisco MUNI

Political Fallout from SF Muni's 'NextBus' Meltdown

The NextBus system, which predicts arrival times for San Francisco's buses and trains, has been unusable for four weeks.

January 28, 2017 - San Francisco Examiner

Coit Tower

To Meet Climate Change Goals, San Francisco Tries Networking

San Francisco's Business Council on Climate Change serves as a 'convener' between municipal government and the private sector to tackle issues related to climate change. Writer Andrew Wade spoke with the Council's executive director, Michael Parks.

January 24, 2017 - Doggerel

San Antonians Angry About Huts, Google Fiber's Fast Internet Plan Hits a Speedbump

Some in Texas are worried about the structures that house Google's Fiberoptic Cables, complaining that the huts are ugly and take up too much park space.

January 23, 2017 - San Antonio Business Journal

Hailing a cab

Setting Expectations for Mobility as a Service

There are still a lot of unanswered questions about the effect transportation network companies like Uber will have on mobility. Are we asking the right ones?

January 23, 2017 - Steven Polzin

Traffic

NACTO Releases Principles for Transportation Data Sharing

New "Data Sharing Principles," by the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), provide guidance for municipalities hoping to make use of new data sharing opportunities.

January 19, 2017 - National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)

Tailpipe

New Player in Dieselgate

Similar violation but new player—Fiat Chrysler, accused by U.S. EPA of willfully violating emissions standards for certain models of diesel Jeeps and Ram pickups. The charge comes a day after DOJ settled civil and criminal suits with Volkswagen.

January 13, 2017 - The New York Times

Portland Transit

Portland Becomes a Testing Ground for App Based Transportation

German multinational Daimler is investing heavily in how people will get around in the future and using Portland, Oregon as a test bed for its plans

January 13, 2017 - The Oregonian

Meet the New Federal Committee on Automation

The U.S. Department of Transportation a new Federal Committee on Automation, gathering 25 experts in the field of vehicle technology to help keep the government in front of a rapidly approaching era.

January 12, 2017 - U.S. Department Of Transportation

Uber

Uber Releases Some of its Coveted Trip Data

Uber is offering a peak at its data in the hopes of contributing to a more informed transportation planning process.

January 12, 2017 - CityLab

Electronic Waste

The Upside of the Looming Resource Crisis

The concept of the circular economy is starting to take hold on governments and business throughout the world. Peter Moskowitz discusses the various ways the concept is being translated into practical, real-world solutions.

January 11, 2017 - Doggerel

Technology Survey 2017

City Planning Department Technology Benchmarking Survey 2017

A report on the current state of Internet technology used by 600 cities across the United States, including recommended steps cities should take to improve their technology assets in 2017-2018.

January 11, 2017 - William Riggs

Trees and People

Mapping the Treetops

Treepedia is MIT's effort to collect a complete resource on the tree cover of city streets.

January 10, 2017 - CityLab

Congestion versus mobility

Debate Renewed: Can Uber and Lyft Solve Congestion?

A new study predicts the congestion relief benefits of carpooling services offered by Transportation Network Companies. A skeptical audience replies.

January 9, 2017 - San Jose Mercury News

New York Public Transit

WiFi Available in all 279 New York Subway Stations

Subway trains and WiFi access aren't mutually exclusive in New York City.

January 8, 2017 - New York Daily News

Internet of Things for Cars

Eyes on the Streets

Apps, Intelligent Transportation Systems Improving Safety for Pedestrians

January 5, 2017 - InTransition Magazine

2017 Apps

The Best Planning Apps for 2017

A list of mobile apps that support planning, as part of an annual update. Learn about exciting new ways to explore cities and enhance planning via mobile apps. Please feel free to add your own favorites.

January 4, 2017 - Jennifer Evans-Cowley

No Dumping

Sensors Measure Rainwater on Chicago Streets

A smart city pilot project, already in place at three locations in Chicago and on the way to two more, deploys sophisticated data gathering technology to measure the simple act of rainwater running downhill. Better green infrastructure will follow.

January 4, 2017 - Data-Smart City Solutions

Delivery Drone

Slurpees By Air: Drone Delivery Takes Off in Reno

77 successful drone deliveries were made in the month of November from one 7-Eleven store in Reno, Nevada to customers in the city.

January 4, 2017 - Reno Gazette-Journal

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.