United States

White and yellow Metro Transit streetcar in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Video: Making Transit Better

How trackless trams and other innovations can make U.S. transit more efficient.

March 28, 2024 - CNBC Marathon

ROwn of grey and white townhomes with gabled roofs and front porches.

Why Parking Reform Goes Hand in Hand With More Housing

To achieve the full benefits of ‘missing middle housing’ and make way for small-lot construction, cities must rethink parking mandates.

March 27, 2024 - Sightline

Concrete bike and pedestrian trail with people walking and biking under pedestrian bridge in Orlando, Florida.

FHWA Opens $45 Million in Bike and Pedestrian Grants

Active Transportation grants are aimed at helping communities build and maintain bike and pedestrian infrastructure.

March 27, 2024 - Traffic Technology Today

Rural bus stop

Congress Hears Rural Transportation Challenges

A Congressional subcommittee heard testimony from rural transportation officials, transit providers, and lawmakers.

March 26, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Former public restroom under bridge in New York City.

NYC TikToker Helps You Find Public Bathrooms

After starting an interactive map to show public bathroom locations around the city, Teddy Siegel now advocates for local bills that expand public restroom access.

March 26, 2024 - Next City

Aerial view of copper strip mine in New Mexico.

Opinion: Proposed Mining Law Could Have Devastating Consequences

A federal bill could give mining companies more leeway than ever before.

March 26, 2024 - Albuquerque Journal

Police office standing next to sedan he just pulled over at night with police car in background.

Report: Federal Policies to Make Traffic Enforcement More Equitable

Recommendations for how USDOT can guide more equitable traffic enforcement that improves traffic safety and protects vulnerable populations.

March 26, 2024 - Center for American Progress

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground during morning golden hour.

The Paradox of American Housing

How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.

March 26, 2024 - The Atlantic

Flooded road with red and white gate barrier blocking entry in Houston, Texas.

The Potential and Pitfalls of Climate Migration

As more Americans are displaced by wildfires, flooding, erosion, and other climate risks, safer regions should prepare for a wave of migration.

March 26, 2024 - The Atlantic

Aerial view of forest damaged by wildfire in Texas.

How Climate Change Drives Bigger Wildfires

In many places, climate change is creating ideal conditions for fires to grow larger and more destructive.

March 25, 2024 - USA Today

View of Seattle skyline on clear sunny day with Space Needle on left and Mount Rainier in the background.

Deconstructing Office-to-Residential Conversions in Seattle

In a two-part inquiry in GeekWire, Chuck Wolfe looks at clearing the path to office-to-residential conversions and the complex path beyond.

March 25, 2024 - GeekWire

Power lines and towers at a substation

Power Demand is Surging in US

The U.S. has entered a new power paradigm according to a new energy analysis that warns of unprecedented new demands for power, largely from “new manufacturing, industrial, and data center facilities,” and the grid is not prepared for the surge.

March 25, 2024 - The New York Times

Cose-up of person's hands on steering wheel driving down highway with sunset sky.

When High-Tech Cars Increase Road Risk

An overreliance on ‘partial automation’ can make drivers less attentive.

March 25, 2024 - Strong Towns

Close-up of man painting white and yellow crosswalk on asphalt.

Guerilla Urbanism: Small Interventions, Big Impact

Citizen-led projects can lead to broader changes — if cities will listen.

March 24, 2024 - Congress For New Urbanism

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Close-up of white electric car charging symbol on black pavement in parking spaces.

How New Federal Rule Could Impact EV Adoption

An adjustment to federal pollution limits will require a greater share of low-carbon vehicles, but the rule also gives automakers some flexibility in deploying electric and hybrid cars.

March 22, 2024 - The Hill

White three-story brick single-room occupancy hotel in downtown Los Angeles, California.

‘Micro-Apartment’ Trend Underscores Housing Crisis

SROs are making a comeback under a new name as the housing supply remains strained and costs soar.

March 22, 2024 - Associated Press via Yahoo News

Close-up of crash test dummy in orange jumpsuit leaning over steering wheel with Volkswagen logo.

NHTSA to Introduce New Female Crash Test Dummy

Modern crash test dummies have advanced features that account for different body types and genders, but government regulators have been slow to adopt the technology.

March 22, 2024 - ABC 7 Chicago

Close-up of person in wheelchair wearing jeans entering public bus on ramp.

How to Improve Transit Accessibility

Over 13 million Americans face mobility challenges that limit their travel experience.

March 21, 2024 - Prism

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

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.