The California High-Speed Rail project, initially promised to connect Los Angeles and San Francisco, is currently focused on a 170-mile section between Merced and Bakersfield. New CEO Ian Choudri advocates for a revised plan to co...
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Benjamin Schneider is an author and researcher focused on urban planning and the future of cities.
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The article discusses the recent sweeping reforms to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, highlighting the influence of the book 'Abundance' by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson. The reforms...
The blog post discusses the portrayal of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in cinema, particularly focusing on 'The Naked Gun' as a parody that reflects contemporary societal anxieties about self-driving technology. It contrasts the film'...
The Lloyd Center's redevelopment exemplifies a nationwide trend of transforming struggling malls into vibrant urban centers that prioritize walkability and community integration.
Zohran Mamdani's campaign aims to revolutionize New York City's streets by prioritizing pedestrians and public transit through innovative urban policies.
The decline of single room occupancy hotels, exemplified by the McBurney YMCA, has significantly contributed to the current homelessness crisis in America.
The post discusses the complex dynamics of housing demand and supply in the United States, particularly focusing on the migration patterns towards the Sunbelt due to affordable housing. It highlights the irony of political governa...
The post discusses the unique urban development pattern of Jersey City, which has experienced significant growth while retaining diversity and addressing housing shortages. It contrasts 'missing massive' development, characterized...
The essay discusses the premise of the upcoming book 'The Unfinished Metropolis,' which argues that America's built environment no longer meets contemporary needs. It highlights the urgent need for transformation to address issues...
The article discusses the Rose Quarter Project in Portland, Oregon, which aims to cap a section of the I-5 freeway over a historically Black neighborhood, Lower Albina, that was adversely affected by urban renewal in the 1960s. Fu...
The post examines the evolution of industrial neighborhoods into trendy urban spaces, driven by artists and urban planning, while addressing the complexities of gentrification.
American urban planning is heavily influenced by excessive parking requirements, leading to a built environment dominated by parking lots rather than walkable spaces.
The redevelopment of the Marina Safeway into a 25-story complex raises critical questions about zoning integrity and urban planning in San Francisco.
The blog post discusses the potential benefits of electrifying Southern California's Metrolink system, highlighting the 'Momentum' framework developed by Nolan Hicks. It emphasizes the advantages of electrification and level board...
The blog post discusses the stark differences in public transit development between the US and other global cities, highlighting the advanced technologies and cost-effective strategies employed by cities like Montreal. It emphasiz...
The article discusses the financial challenges faced by transit agencies across the U.S., exacerbated by COVID-19 and inflation. Major cities like Philadelphia, Portland, and Chicago are confronting significant budget deficits, le...
The article discusses the complexities and nuances of inclusionary zoning, particularly in the context of Gowanus, Brooklyn. It critiques a recent piece by Matt Yglesias, emphasizing that while inclusionary zoning can be seen as a...
Transportation for America calls for a substantial increase in federal transit funding to develop world-class public transportation systems across U.S. cities.
The blog post discusses the election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York and the significant housing ballot initiatives that accompanied his victory. These initiatives aim to expedite the approval process for affordable housing...
The Interborough Express is a transformative light rail project in NYC that aims to improve transit access and connectivity between Brooklyn and Queens by the 2030s.
The article discusses the resurgence of shared micromobility, particularly bike and scooter share systems, in North America, highlighting a 31% increase in ridership in 2024 compared to the previous year. It notes the growing popu...
The text discusses the housing policies of the mayoral candidates in the New York City mayoral race, focusing on the influence of the YIMBY movement and the NIMBY mantle. It highlights how former Governor Andrew Cuomo has managed ...
The text discusses the potential of pedestrianizing city streets to create car-free spaces and transform urban areas. It highlights the success of the Sunset Dunes park in San Francisco and the political risks involved. It also ex...
The article discusses the housing platforms of Mark Carney, the leader of Canada's Liberal party, and Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president. It compares their plans and highlights the differences, emphasizing Carney'...