People with disabilities that prevent them from using transit can apply for an exemption from the congestion pricing scheme.

New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) just announced the discounts and exemptions for its upcoming congestion pricing program.
According to reporting by News 12, “If you have a disability or health condition preventing you from using public transit, you can apply for an exemption. You won't be charged for driving into the ‘congestion relief zone.’ This exemption can also be applied to the car of any family member or caregiver who drives instead.”
Applicants to the Individual Disability Exemption Plan (IDEP) must be assessed for eligibility and enroll in MTA’s Access-A-Ride or Parking Permit for People with Disabilities (PPPD) programs.
Low-income drivers can receive a 50 percent discount, but only after their tenth drive into the congestion zone each month.
FULL STORY: MTA announces discounts and exemptions for upcoming congestion pricing. Here’s how to apply.

New Florida Law Curbs HOA Power
The legislation seeks to cut down on ‘absurd’ citations for low-level violations.

New Tennessee Law Allows No-Cost Incentives for Affordable Housing
Local governments in the Volunteer State can now offer developers incentives like increased density, lower parking requirements, and priority permitting for affordable housing projects.

Planners’ Complicity in Excessive Traffic Deaths
Professor Wes Marshall’s provocatively-titled new book, "Killed by a Traffic Engineer," has stimulated fierce debates. Are his criticisms justified? Let’s examine the degree that traffic engineers contribute to avoidable traffic deaths.

Study: Housing Crisis is About Affordability, not Supply
New research shows that there is no overall shortage of housing units, but all U.S. metropolitan areas face a severe lack of affordable units for low-income renters.

Are Race-Based Lawsuits Affecting Community Lenders?
Shelterforce spoke with community lending leaders and experts about the current mood across the sector. What, if anything, are organizations doing to avoid becoming the next target of conservative activists?

New Park Promotes Community and Connectivity in Lewisville, Texas
The city of Lewisville just celebrated the opening of Glory Park/Parque la Gloria, helping to improve park access and the quality of life for residents.
City of Madera
City of Santa Clarita
Borough of Carlisle
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Colorado Energy Office
Pima County Community College District
City of Piedmont, CA
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.