![Screen Shot 2022-03-16 at 7.28.54 AM A graphic showing the planned elements of the Melrose Promenade](https://www.theurbanist.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-16-at-7.28.54-AM-696x524.png)
Pandemic-era places: Atlanta is removing a pandemic-era experiment of a people-oriented Peachtree Street. Meanwhile, Portland is making a pedestrian street plaza permanent.
Obsolete sewers: Grist details how many cities spend billions on new sewage systems, but their designs may already be obsolete.
Toxic districts: Dallas could impose zoning changes in neighborhoods to deal with the history of toxic pollution.
Slow train: A Burbank airport’s lawsuit could throw a wrench into high-speed rail expansion plans.
Rezone Montana: A Montana think-tank study says that more multifamily housing zoning would ease the state’s housing crunch.
Rising rents: Rents in New York City are rising at twice the national rate ($).
Amazon moves: Amazon is moving workers out of the old Macy’s building in Downtown Seattle.
Regrettable retirement: Boston’s transit agency retired some trolleybus routes over the weekend.
Denver district: Denver wants a more active urban arts district and may require ground-floor retail and set other standards.
Slower streets: 177 miles of streets in Los Angeles will see speeds reduced.
Gas and transit: Will increasing gas prices push people to ride transit?
Transportation competition: Bike Portland looks at which mode (bike, transit, or car) is cheaper.
Seattle Transportation Plan: What are advocates thinking about in terms of the Seattle Transportation Plan?
CEQA reform: California politicians acted swiftly to nullify CEQA’s blockage of student enrollment at UC Berkeley.
Capitol Hill: A major mixed-use development project may be headed to Capitol Hill.
Landlord regulation: Could be legislation be on the way to penalize landlord violations in Seattle?
15 mph street design: A new design guide in Portland could enshrine 15 mph streets.
London ULEZ: Dirty cars in London will pay higher prices to enter parts of the city.
Melrose Promenade: Some work finally starts on Melrose Promenade for people walking, rolling, and biking.
First Hill: Changes to zoning regulations in First Hill could mean taller buildings and historic preservation.
I-5 expansion: The IBR project isn’t meant to benefit everyone.
California investment priorities: Amid a climate crisis, why does California keep building freeways?
Car standards: Federal car safety rating updates won’t address car size.
Vancity growth: Vancouver’s city council approved zoning for hundreds of rental homes and office space at Oakridge Centre.
Fourplexes: How could a San Francisco fourplex law wind up skirting state law ($)?
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.