United States

Amtrak Acela

How to Make US Trains Faster

Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.

April 11, 2025 - Bloomberg CityLab

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 10, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Kingsbridge Armory, large hangar-like brick building in the Bronx, New York City with brick lower floors and glass/metal curved roof..

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard

After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.

April 9, 2025 - Shelterforce Magazine

Blurred cars driving down road with European road signs visible.

Inferior US Vehicle Standard Threaten European Safety

EU vehicles are much safer than U.S. vehicles due to better standards. The U.S. wants its standard to be considered ‘equivalent’ for import purposes. A European Transport Safety Council report examines the conflict.

April 9, 2025 - Briefing on Risks to the EU Vehicle Market and Road Safety of Recognising US-market Vehicles as ‘Equivalent’

Cars passing through flooded street after Hurricane Sandy in New York City.

FEMA Resilience Program Cuts Grant Funding

The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program funded projects from flood prevention to power station upgrades.

April 8, 2025 - Fast Company

Corner convenience store with red awning and children's rocking horse toy out front in brick building in Queens, New York City

What the ‘Walk Score’ Misses

A popular walkability assessment omits key factors that impact different demographics and can direct development resources to already wealthy neighborhoods.

April 8, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Two white garbage trucks stopped on New York City street.

How the ‘Direct Vision’ Design Approach Saves Lives

Designing large trucks to ensure better visibility for drivers can reduce fatal crashes and improve workplace safety.

April 8, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

View of expansive subway station with curved roof and passengers waiting for trains in Washington, D.C.

USDOT Targets Transit, High-Speed Rail, Sustainable Transportation for Cuts

High-profile projects like New York City congestion pricing, California high-speed rail, and major transit agencies face drastic federal funding cuts.

April 7, 2025 - Grist

View of wide street in downtown Boise, Idaho with state capitol visible at end of street and blurred traffic going both directions at dusk.

Idaho Data: Unexpected Vehicle Repairs Exacerbate Housing Instability, Eviction Risk

Over 21 percent of clients struggle with transportation barriers.

April 6, 2025 - Idaho Capital Sun

Small, brightly lit bedroom with flowery sheets on single bed in supportive housing or nursing home.

A Year-Long Investigation On Permanent Supportive Housing

The New York Times reveals what’s working and what’s not in the cornerstone of Housing First.

April 6, 2025 - The New York Times

Paved path with artesian fountain at end and tall trees arching over walkway with joggers and walkers in Savannah, Georgia.

Survey: US Public Spaces Not Meeting Community Needs

A lack of funding prevents many U.S. parks and public spaces from playing a more significant role in helping residents meet daily needs.

April 6, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Low view of separated bike lanes in middle of Pennsylvania Avenue with U.S. Capitol dome visible at end of street at night.

Safe Streets Funding in Jeopardy

The Trump administration is specifically targeting bike infrastructure and other road safety projects in its funding cuts.

April 4, 2025 - Grist

Man in green shirt painting yellow and black "Housing is a human right" mural on fence.

Six Reasons Why Housing Is a Human Right

Is housing a human right? A law professor shares six reasons why it should be, from its role in protecting other rights to global recognition and U.S. legal traditions. As public support grows, could housing be the next right written into law?

April 4, 2025 - Shelterforce Magazine

Close-up of older woman's hands resting on white modern heating radiator mounted on wall indoors.

HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program

The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.

April 3, 2025 - The New York Times

Close-up on U.S. Forest Service plaque.

What Forest Service Cuts Mean for Cities

U.S. Forest Service employees work on projects that have impacts far beyond remote, rural wilderness areas.

April 3, 2025 - Greater Greater Washington

Green roadside sign with white text reading "Entering Nez Perce Indian Reservation" against grassy field and blue sky.

Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship

In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.

April 2, 2025 - The Conversation

Family wearing helmets rides down separated bike trail in city.

Proposed Bill Would Direct Funds to Road Safety

The Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act was spurred by the death of a U.S. diplomat who was killed on her bicycle.

April 2, 2025 - Bethesda Magazine

Close-up on handmade sign being held up at protest "Housing is a human right"

HUD Ordered to Release Grant Funds After Anti-DEI Clawback

A federal judge ruled in favor of fair housing groups after the Trump administration tried to rescind housing grants.

April 2, 2025 - CommonWealth Beacon

Plaque with 'Department of Veterans Affairs' below plaque with seal.

Drop in Veteran Homelessness Offers Lessons

Bipartisan support, robust funding, and access to comprehensive data are keys to the success of programs that assist unhoused veterans.

April 2, 2025 - Next City

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.