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Posts for Transportation and Land Use

Floor Area Ratio: What It Is and How Local Governments Can Use It

December 3, 2025  by  Noal Leonetti ,  Abby Newbold
Category:  Guest Author ,  Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management ,  Housing ,  Transportation and Land Use

Regulations addressing floor area ratio (FAR) can help cities build density and give developers more options. Passed in 2025, HB 1491 requires certain cities use FAR when setting density standards near high-capacity transit stations for rail and/or bus.

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2025 Legislation Affecting Local Government Planning

August 5, 2025  by  Leonard Bauer
Category:  Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management ,  Administration ,  Parking ,  Development Regulations and Zoning ,  Housing ,  Transportation and Land Use ,  New Legislation and Regulations

Several bills from 2025 will impact local government planning, addressing topics as diverse as periodic update deadlines, local parking requirements, and historic landmark property designation.

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Active senior couple running outdoors in park along lake

Is Your Community Age Friendly?

January 31, 2024  by  Lisa Pool
Category:  Development Types ,  Housing ,  Inclusive Communities ,  Transportation and Land Use

What can planners do to make their communities more welcoming for residents as they age? Research shows that investments in transportation infrastructure, compact, mixed-use land use patterns that support walkability, and diverse housing options can help people age in place.

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People walking, biking, driving a car, or riding on a bus

How Downtown Plans Can Create a Framework for Revitalization Efforts: Part 2

October 18, 2023  by  Lisa Pool
Category:  Transportation Planning ,  Transportation and Land Use ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

Downtown plans often employ a multifaceted approach, but those that include goals of expanding transportation options, addressing safety concerns, and working to bring a sense of security back to the area can spur revitalization efforts. 

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Agencies Relate Successes, Challenges to VMT Reduction

May 16, 2022  by  Alon Bassok
Category:  Guest Author ,  Climate and Sustainability ,  Transportation and Land Use ,  New Legislation and Regulations

Across the state, local governments have been looking at how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing vehicle miles traveled in their communities. This blog looks at some successful strategies and common challenges. 

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Autonomous Vehicles: Coming to a Neighborhood Near You?

March 16, 2018  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Transportation Planning ,  Transportation and Land Use

Widespread use of autonomous vehicles (self-driving cars) may seem too futuristic to seriously contemplate, but autonomous ridesharing vehicles will be here before you know it.

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