New restrictions: Washington Governor Jay Inslee is imposing new Covid restrictions on social gatherings, bars and restaurants, retail businesses, and leisure activities ($). The Governor is also asking for less out-of-state travel and corresponding travel quarantine.
Covid taskforce: President-elect Joe Biden has announced a taskforce to address Covid ($).
Affordable commercial space: A new city grant will help increase development of affordable commercial space at Africatown Plaza.
CTA extension: Chicago is moving forward with engineering and design of the Red Line subway extension.
Reducing impacts: Oregon’s highway department is adjusting I-5 expansion plans to avoid impacts to the Esplanade in Portland.
Biden prioritizing transportation: President-elect Joe Biden has tapped transportation officials in Washington, D.C. and New York City for his transition team. Meanwhile, Congressman Earl Blumenauer has said that he is bullish on transportation under the new administration.
Barcelona superblocks: Barcelona is moving their “superblocks” to the next level for more car-free streets.
Hyperloop-like boondoggle: A German company is hoping to advance work for a flying car port in Orlando.
Maintenance and repair: There are often challenges in maintaining and repairing homes, but doing so could prove useful to communities in delivering affordable housing as Philadelphia shows.
MARTA expansion blocked: Despite a good night for Democrats in Gwinnett County near Atlanta, a major transit expansion measure narrowly failed.
Prop 22: Why did California say “no” rent regulations again ($)?
Cringeworthy art: Sound Transit is scrapping an absurd elephant sculpture project that had been planned for Federal Way.
Safer YEG streets: Edmonton is reducing speeds on busiest streets from 50 km/h to 40 km/h.
Outdoor access: Veterans and Gold Star families can now get free lifetime passes for America’s national parks and federal open spaces ($).
Stephen is a professional urban planner in Puget Sound with a passion for sustainable, livable, and diverse cities. He is especially interested in how policies, regulations, and programs can promote positive outcomes for communities. With stints in great cities like Bellingham and Cork, Stephen currently lives in Seattle. He primarily covers land use and transportation issues and has been with The Urbanist since 2014.