Government / Politics
Proposed Regulatory Changes Would Raise the Cost of Oil Drilling on Public Land
The new rules would raise more money for cleanup operations and bring more revenue to oil-producing states, but are a far cry from fulfilling President Biden’s promise to end extraction on public lands.
Road Funding Options: The Alternative to the Alternative
The inverse relationship between electric vehicle sales and gasoline tax revenues has caused the federal government and many states to investigate mileage fees as an alternative funding option to fuel taxes. Iowa is going a different route.
NJ v. U.S. DOT: Cordon Pricing in Manhattan
The State of New Jersey filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Transportation on Friday to halt the Manhattan cordon pricing project approved in June by the FHWA, charging that they violated the National Environmental Protection Act.
Hawaii Governor Wipes Away Regulatory Barriers to Housing With the Stroke of a Pen
The governor of Hawaii is using emergency powers to remove barriers to housing construction.
Union Shakeup Could Have Implications for California Housing Policy
One of the most powerful opponents to California’s YIMBY legislators, the Trades union of building and construction workers, is under new leadership. Some observers speculate that the change could indicate a new era of development politics.
California On Schedule to Launch Second Road Charge Pilot Program
The California Transportation Commission met the initial deadline specified in 2021 state legislation requiring the state to perform a fully operational pilot program where participants will pay for the miles they drive.
San Diego Camping Ban Set to Take Effect, but Details Remain Murky
The city plans to crack down on unhoused people camping on city property, but has yet to identify parks and school zones targeted for enforcement under the new ordinance.
Public Lands in the United States, Part Two: The Conservation Turn and ‘America’s Best Idea’
As Western expansion reached its geographic terminus, the U.S. government began tightening rules around land use and designating protected areas such as national parks and wilderness areas, often displacing local Native Americans in favor of a Wester
Tent Encampments: Will the Legal Restraint be Lifted?
A controversial U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in 2018 that has hindered the ability of western cities to clear tent encampments on public spaces will likely be revisited and overturned by the Supreme Court, predicts a popular CNN host.
New Public Hearing Requirements Delay Completion of Reston’s New Comprehensive Plan
One of the country’s most prominent master-planned communities has spent several years working on an a comprehensive plan update. The plan will have to wait a little longer as the Fairfax County, Virginia community adjusts to new state laws.
Louisiana Town Sets Permanent Curfew for Walking and Biking
Public perceptions about noise and drugs have led the city of Kaplan in Louisiana to prohibit walking and biking at night.
Washington Governor Delays Progress on Mileage Fee, Again
For the second time in two years, Gov. Jay Inslee has dealt a legislative setback to transportation planning efforts to prepare for the 2035 ban on the sale of gas-tax paying light duty motor vehicles to reduce carbon emissions.
Sweeps Aren’t Outreach: Policing Homelessness Still Doesn’t Work
A new study shines a light on the connection between homeless outreach teams and policing, and examines why so many cities still use resident complaints to guide their response to the homelessness crisis.
A Rare Governance Moment for UN-Habitat
The 2nd UN-Habitat Assembly adopted resolutions highlighting key needs for achievement of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda in cities while important partnerships were announced.
California Gasoline Tax Rises by 4 Cents
You might have missed it as legislators didn't vote on it—not this year, anyway—despite attempts by Republicans to suspend the increase.
Regional Authority to Address Homelessness Proposed in Spokane
The city wants to coordinate resources and groups to bring resources to unhoused residents after the closure of Camp Hope, formerly the largest encampment in the state.
A Fair Share for Walking
Most people value walkability, yet most communities underinvest in pedestrian facilities. Some jurisdictions are investing more in sidewalks and crosswalks in order to better serve community values.
National Mileage Fee Pilot Program Late to Launch
EV sales are increasing–good news for the environment but bad news for road funding, as they pay no fuel taxes. Fortunately, the bipartisan infrastructure law has $125 million earmarked to "demonstrate a national motor vehicle per-mile user fee."
Planning Through the Eyes of a Big City Mayor
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall joins the Planning Commission Podcast to talk about housing, street reconfiguration, and saving the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere.
How L.A. County Equitably Administers American Rescue Plan Resources
L.A. County recently received a 2023 achievement award from the National Association of Counties (NACo).
Placer County
City of Morganton
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Dongguan Binhaiwan Bay Area Management Committee
City of Waukesha, WI
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Indiana Borough
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
