United States

Flint River with blue sign on post in winter.

Lead Pipes Make Up Nearly One Tenth of US Water Service Lines

A decade after the Flint crisis captured national attention, tens of thousands of US water transmission lines can still leach dangerous chemicals.

April 30, 2024 - NPR

Aerial view of large solar panel installation in rural area in Indiana.

Solar Production Threatens Fertile Farmlands

Solar installations are causing soil erosion and raising concerns among farmers in some of the nation’s most productive agricultural regions.

April 30, 2024 - Reuters

New York City Subway

Top 10 Public Transit Cities in the US

From New York to Providence, these are the best places to get around without a car.

April 30, 2024 - Good Good Good

A Black couple holding contracts sits across the desk from a white mortgage lender.

Tenants and Home Buyers: Do You Know Your Fair Housing Rights?

Inconsistent application of fair housing laws across the country means tenants and home buyers of color and from other protected classes must educate themselves and be their own advocates.

April 29, 2024 - Defender

A Brightline train leaving the Fort Lauderdale Station.

Brightline Founder Predicts a Passenger Rail Resurgence

The HSR operator wants to expand to more US regions.

April 29, 2024 - Bloomberg CityLab

Close-up of electricity meter on house with sunset light in background.

Feds Issue New Energy Efficiency Standards for Affordable Housing

The new standards are expected to lower energy costs for low-income households.

April 28, 2024 - Bloomberg CityLab

Large mound of food waste separated for composting.

Organic Waste Raising Methane Emissions From Landfills

Landfills are an overlooked but significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.

April 26, 2024 - Governing

Aerial direct overhead view of I-35 freeway in Austin, Texas

Study: Higher Freeway Speeds Increase Crashes on Adjacent Roads

Interstate speed limits can have an impact beyond their own lanes.

April 25, 2024 - Streetsblog USA

Freeway sign with "severe weather - use caution" over multilane freeway in rainy weather.

How Freeway Projects Impact Climate Resilience

In addition to displacement and public health impacts, highway expansions can also make communities less resilient to flooding and other climate-related disasters.

April 25, 2024 - Transportation for America

Close-up of hand holding up wooden thermometer in front of blurred street

New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths

Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.

April 24, 2024 - Associated Press via Portland Press Herald

View from back of BART Police SUV driving down street in San Francisco, California.

Podcast: Addressing the Root Causes of Transit Violence

Deploying transit police is a short-term fix. How can transit agencies build sustainable safety efforts?

April 24, 2024 - Streetsblog USA

View of downtown Seattle with Space Needle and mountains in background

Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises

Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.

April 23, 2024 - The Seattle Times

Three people, one in fatigues and hard hat, standing in front of bulldozer discussing relocation plans in Newtok, Alaska.

Alaska Village Becomes Test Case for Climate Change Relocation

The Yup’ik village of Newtok is the first Alaska community to begin a full-scale relocation necessitated by the impacts of climate change. Another 31 Alaska communities remain vulnerable.

April 23, 2024 - Alaska Public Media

High view of woman walking in parking lot with red and white cars visible at left.

Non-Roadway Traffic Deaths On the Rise

A growing number of traffic deaths occur in driveways, parking lots, and other non-roadway spaces.

April 22, 2024 - Streetsblog USA

Large water pipe with brown water pouring out into dirt ditch.

Southern Water Infrastructure at Risk From Climate Impacts

A water main breaks somewhere in the United States every two minutes, according to an estimate from the American Society of Civil Engineers.

April 21, 2024 - The Conversation

Young woman and man seated on subway car looking at phones.

Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features

It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.

April 19, 2024 - BGR

Workers putting down asphalt on road.

U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause

A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.

April 18, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Several Lime e-scooters lined up next to curb on a sidewalk in San Jose, California.

The State of E-Scooters in the US

Eight years after shared e-scooters were first introduced in US cities, the industry still teeters on the edge of success, hindered in part by limited infrastructure.

April 18, 2024 - Grist

Aerial view of downtown Rochester, New York with river and bridge in foreground.

Rochester Shows Possible Future for Former Highways

A former freeway is undergoing a massive redevelopment that goes beyond highway removal to reconnect and revitalize surrounding areas.

April 18, 2024 - Bloomberg CityLab

New York Public Transit

Transit Riders Face the Highest Safety Risks in These 10 States

According to federal data, the average number of safety incidents on public transportation averaged 55.2 per 100,000 people across all states between 2010 and 2023. Which states came in well above the national average?

April 18, 2024 - PropertyCasualty360

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Websites

The best of the Internet—since 2002.

Top Apps

Planning apps for a brave new world.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

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.