Utah

Is Glen Canyon Dam Obsolete?
As climate changes in the Rockies and the southwest, Lake Powell is gradually shrinking. The debate over Glen Canyon Dam is on again, and this time environmentalists aren't the only ones against it.

PBS Takes on Urban Planning, Good and Bad, with '10 Towns' Special
Beginning with the first U.S. planned urban development, St. Augustine, Fla., and ending with one of Portland's newest neighborhoods, the Pearl District, host Geoffrey Baer takes us through ten developments that left their mark, for better or worse.
Environmental Protection Agency Under Fire From All Sides
Expect EPA to be radically downsized and stripped of much of its authority should a Republican become the next president. Democrats haven't stepped up to their defense as one might expect after the mishandling of the Flint water crisis.
State Gas Tax Changes, Up and Down, Took Effect January 1
In case you were wondering if any state gas taxes, other than Utah as previously posted, changed on New Years Day—eight others did, but only slightly, due to required, automatic adjustments. Most telling was that more went down than up.
Utah's New Years Day Surprise: Nickel Gas and Diesel Tax Increase
The fuel tax increases in the Beehive State by 4.9 cents on Friday. But don't count on gas prices increasing. Not only are prices dropping due to plummeting crude oil prices, but service station owners may be reluctant to pass on the increase.
Mixed Election Results in Utah on Transportation Sales Tax Proposition
Prop. 1, a quarter-cent sales tax that would benefit public transit in Wasatch Range counties, passed in 10 counties but was defeated in seven, including the populous Salt Lake County where supporters have yet to concede due to the narrow loss.
The Salt Lake City Recipe: Remove Parking, Add Bike Lanes, Watch Sales Increase
A new study of the benefits of a bike lane project in Salt Lake City adds to the body of work suggesting that complete streets overhauls are a good investment for both the public and the private sectors.
America's Second Protected Intersection Now Open
The first protected intersection opened in August in Davis, Calif., a university town with the nation's highest percentage of bike commuters. Salt Lake City's new protected intersection is explained on NPR's "Here & Now" report with audio and videos.
Planning for the 'Big One'—In Salt Lake City
Many people outside of Salt Lake City might not realize that the city's proximity to the Wasatch Fault puts it at risk for an earthquake likely in the range of 7.1 on the Richter scale.
Poll: Utah Residents Strongly Support Mixed-Use, Transit, and Walkability
Density isn't always a dirty word, apparently—as residents of Utah have voiced their support of more urban typologies to support its expected population growth over the next several decades.

What Makes a Streetscape Appeal to Pedestrians?
Researchers who studied the appeal of New York City streetscapes find an additionally significant factor on the streets of Salt Lake City: the photo op.
Utah's Disappearing Salt Flats Cause Controversy
A well-attended racing event was cancelled for the second year in a row on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Organizers are worried the salt flats might never be the same.
An Unexpected Advocate for Utah's Vehicle-Miles-Traveled Fee
One would expect the Utah Taxpayers Association to oppose county measures to increase general sales taxes by .25 percent to fund transportation programs, so their endorsement of an alternative revenue option, the mileage fee, is surprising.

This Transit Authority is a Model of Bike-Friendliness
The Utah Transit Authority wants riders to try biking rather than driving to rail and transit stations, so they are offering $60 in giveaways to people that choose not to do so. Some stations come equipped with air pumps and repair stands.
Salt Lake City Region Targets Transit, Bikes in New 25-Year Strategic Plan
With the population of Utah expected to double in the next 25 years, a new regional transportation plan focuses on alternative transportation to achieve air quality benefits.
The Partisan Transit Divide
It's not quite as simple as Republicans opposing transit and Democrats supporting it. It depends what level of government is discussing it. On the local level, demand for better transit can transcend partisan divides.
First U.S. City to Build Protected Intersection for Bikes: Salt Lake City
An intersection configuration mastered by the Dutch is about to get its first showcase in the capital of Utah as part of a larger bike lane project through the center of the city.
Georgia to Increase Gas Tax Through Conversion to Excise Tax
Gov. Nathan Deal will sign legislation to increase gas taxes through a state sales tax conversion to an excise tax. With new weight-based truck fees, motel fees, and electric vehicle fees, it will add $1 billion in new transportation funding.
Idaho Gas Tax Debate Pits Truckers Against Motorists
The Idaho Trucking Association wants to reduce the state's $262 million road and bridge maintenance shortfall by passing a six-cent increase in the fuel tax over three years. The AAA opposes it because most of the bill will fall on motorists.
'Envision Utah' a National Model for Long-Range Planning
An article in Governing thoroughly examines the historic and contemporary efforts of planning in Utah—especially the success of the Envision Utah planning process.
Pagination
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
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