District of Columbia

Train Station Conceptual Renderings

New 'Capital Regional Rail Vision' Revealed

An idea to expand regional rail service around D.C. has new substance after the Greater Washington Partnership revealed the first details of a plan to convert the MARC and VRE commuter train systems into high-frequency, all-day regional service.

March 28, 2021 - The Washington Post

7th Street, NW, Washington D.C.

Opinion: Post-Pandemic Recovery Cannot Privilege Car Owners

Robust investment in the region's public transportation network can ensure a more equitable and sustainable path forward.

March 25, 2021 - Greater Greater Washington

Urban Living

Inclusionary Zoning Expanded in D.C.

The Washington, D.C. Planning Commission voted to expand the District's inclusionary zoning program, acting a year after the D.C. Office of Planning set out to expand the program.

March 19, 2021 - Urban Turf

Bicyclists White House

D.C.'s Bike Boom Has Staying Power

More biking, less transit, and less driving alone are the headlining trends from the most recent Regional Travel Survey for the D.C. metropolitan area.

March 12, 2021 - Greater Greater Washington

BLM Plaza, Washington, D.C.

Comprehensive Plan Update Stokes Controversy in D.C.

Complex political dynamics are mustering for a showdown over D.C.'s comprehensive plan.

March 3, 2021 - The Washington Post

Anacostia River

Can D.C. Build its Bridge Park Without Displacement?

The park's non-profit developer has engaged in a years-long community outreach process and invested over $60 million in community initiatives.

February 18, 2021 - NextCity

Arlington Cemetery Station

D.C. Metro Blue Line to Close for 3+ Plus Months, Starting Saturday

Platform improvements will close down another rail transit route in the D.C. region for three whole months.

February 12, 2021 - Arl Now

Virginia

A Regional Vision for Virginia, Maryland, D.C. Rail

Expanding rail service to more communities in Maryland and D.C. could enhance the benefits of Virginia's recent investments in intercity rail.

February 9, 2021 - The Virginia Mercury

Maglev

Federal Review of High-Speed Maglev Train Between D.C. and Baltimore Nearing the Finish Line

The Federal Railroad Administration recently released a preliminary study of a proposed high-speed maglev train route between Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

February 7, 2021 - The Washington Post

Coronavirus

An American Lockdown

Words matter. Road safety advocates know that "crashes are not accidents." Similarly, calling coronavirus restrictions "lockdowns," fails to distinguish the severity among public health orders. On January 6, America experienced a true lockdown.

January 25, 2021 - NPR

Pace Flag

Affordable Housing for LGBTQ Seniors

LGBTQ elders are more likely than their age-peers to have experienced discrimination, leaving them more likely to be poor and have chronic health problems. LGBTQ-friendly senior housing aims to provide a safe and supportive place to age.

January 12, 2021 - Shelterforce Magazine

Elaine Chao

Transportation Secretary's Resignation Announcement Greeted With Derision

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao became the first cabinet secretary to announce her resignation due to the storming of the Capitol by Trump supporters, but at least one high-profile member of congress has derided the announcement.

January 11, 2021 - CBS News

Baltimore Rail

Report Highlights the Need for Local Governance in Baltimore Transit

The unique structure of the Maryland Transit Administration leaves local stakeholders out of decision-making.

January 7, 2021 - Greater Greater Washington

The Tenderloin

Lessons from 20 Years of Enabling Tenants to Buy Their Buildings

As cities around the country consider legislation that will allow tenants a chance to buy their buildings, Washington, D.C., can provide lessons on what to do—and not to do.

December 3, 2020 - Shelterforce Magazine

Muni Bus Overhead Wire

The Transit Catastrophe Continues: San Francisco, D.C. Forecast Service Cuts, Layoffs

Advocates have been waiting for the other shoe to drop as transit agencies deal with cratered revenues during the pandemic without support from Congress.

December 1, 2020 - San Francisco Examiner

Coronavirus and Transportation

WMATA Approved Buyouts and Service Reductions

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority couldn't wait for a still hypothetical bailout from Congress or the Biden administration.

November 24, 2020 - The Washington Post

Accessory Dwelling Unit

Why Have ADUs Proliferated in Portland, Lagged in D.C.?

A new report by the Urban Institute examines the consequences of small differences in land use regulations.

November 11, 2020 - Greater Greater Washington

Washington D.C.

Designing for Dementia

Subtle design interventions can facilitate safe navigation in urban environments for people with cognitive abilities effected by dementia.

November 5, 2020 - Greater Greater Washington

New York Public Transit

Trump Administration Puts Covid Funding at Risk for Transit in 'Anarchist Jurisdictions'

A September 2 memo by the Trump administration warned of punitive actions against New York City, Seattle, Portland, and Washington, D.C. A recently announced federal funding opportunity makes good on the threat.

October 15, 2020 - The New York Daily News

Coronavirus

A Struggling Commercial District Searches for Opportunity in Crisis

A commercial district in a wealthy part of Washington, D.C. is shedding high-profile businesses. A reboot is in order, according to local business owners and political leaders.

October 8, 2020 - The Washington Post

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.