LA City Council advances plan to change development rules near transit stations

The proposal could add more than 10,000 jobs and 6,000 new apartments, and follows a controversial state bill to add density near public transportation that the city opposed.

By Chris Teale • June 29, 2018

Creative crosswalks: Street art meets safety enhancement

Bright colors and unique designs in crosswalks can create a sense of community and enhance pedestrian connectivity, all the while keeping people and drivers safe.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 26, 2018

Nearly 40 San Francisco buildings at risk in earthquake

The city has been working to upgrade potentially at-risk structures, but it remains a hefty effort given how many need retrofits, according to a new federal report.

By Jason Plautz • June 18, 2018

USDOT announces $2.1B of grants

The agency authorized almost $1.5 billion for infrastructure and $677 million for airport improvements nationwide.

By Kim Slowey • June 14, 2018

Domino's to fund pothole repairs for city streets

The "Paving for Pizza" program aims to protect pizza deliveries from being jolted on rough roads, but could represent an interesting P3 opportunity for municipalities.

By Chris Teale • June 13, 2018

Japan-Thailand Millennium Town plans to foster a smarter community

The planned smart city outside Bangkok promises to use Japanese retirees to educate local people, as well as have futuristic technology like maglev trains.

By Chris Teale • June 11, 2018

Panelists share what works (and what doesn't) in urban modernization

Leaders from around the world took the stage at the Chicago Forum on Global Cities to discuss how cities become economic powerhouses.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 8, 2018

Experts call for congestion pricing on all vehicles in NYC

Panelists at an event in Brooklyn said a surcharge would help fund modernization and rebuilding efforts on the subway, and make the streets safer for all users by encouraging less car usage.

By Chris Teale • June 8, 2018

RFP for affordable modular housing a first in NYC

New York City is pushing smaller, module-based units as a way to build faster and with more cost efficiency.

By Kim Slowey • June 5, 2018

Kanye West's affordable housing prototypes demolished

West failed to secure building permits for his "Yeezy Home" initiative, leading to the demolition of at least three prototypes on his property.

By Kristin Musulin • Updated Sept. 17, 2019

Nonprofit touts benefits of housing deconstruction over demolition

Cities can encourage material reuse and recycling by incorporating deconstruction principles in C&D waste diversion ordinances. 

By Katie Pyzyk • June 5, 2018

Downtown Portland's record $1B development includes little affordable housing

Of the residential units built or under construction in the Oregon city since 2011, only 10% are categorized as affordable.

By Kim Slowey • May 30, 2018

Portland, OR to standardize protected bike lane design

The city will soon roll out an official design book that will offer seven basic designs for various streets and intersections. 

By Jason Plautz • May 29, 2018

New Orleans zoning proposal would end some short-term home rentals

The zoning change could lead to a permanent ban on homeowners using platforms such as Airbnb.

By Chris Teale • May 24, 2018

The smarter buildings dilemma: To redevelop or start afresh?

Adding smart technology to an older structure could save money, although the advent of more new features makes redevelopment an attractive option.

By Chris Teale • May 24, 2018

Minneapolis unveils plan to 'undo' history of housing segregation

Mayor Jacob Frey released a $50 million proposal to preserve affordable housing units and build new ones — a key campaign pledge.

By Chris Teale • May 22, 2018

Bipartisan group of senators urge improvements in rural broadband

In a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, the 63 lawmakers called for regular, long-term investment in a program that keeps rates similar for those in urban and rural areas.

By Chris Teale • May 22, 2018

Developer JBG Smith unveils 'affordable workforce' housing plans for Washington, DC

Keeping housing affordable is an issue cities wrestle with across the U.S., and this initiative could be a model for others to follow.

By Chris Teale • May 21, 2018

Lawsuits threaten to derail Musk's Los Angeles tunnel

Activists in Southern California are pushing back against the city's proposal to exempt the tunnel plans from some environmental reviews.

By Kim Slowey • May 17, 2018

Report: Amazon wraps up visits to 20 HQ2 finalists

Finalists already feel the impact. If it is attractive to Amazon, then it is attractive to other companies. Newark, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Austin, Texas had an increase in inquiries from other companies looking for a base. 

By Samantha Schwartz • May 17, 2018

Navigating the digital transformation of commercial buildings

The most sophisticated intelligent buildings are defined by integration of building management systems with business intelligence tools, writes Navigant Research Director Casey Talon.

By Casey Talon • May 16, 2018

Sacramento weighs restricting gas stations, drive-throughs near transit stops

The ban would be a real-world test of how to favor high-density or pedestrian-friendly businesses over "transit-adjacent" ones that require cars.

By Jason Plautz • May 16, 2018

Canadian transportation infrastructure remains an obstacle for seniors

Among the problems are uneven sidewalks, short crossing times at crosswalks and a lack of assistance on public transit.

By Jason Plautz • May 15, 2018

Detroit to cut 2 lanes from major thoroughfare as part of safety initiative

The city has stepped up in recent years to expand beyond its car-centric culture and make things safer for non-drivers.

By Jason Plautz • May 15, 2018

IoT lighting is advantageous for the shifting retail landscape

Lighting manufacturers and technology firms are creating new use cases for a lighting system that addresses customer pain points.

By Krystal Maxwell • May 10, 2018