100 years of zoning (right) • Gov Sherrill outlines affordable housing plan • San Antonio incentivizes missing middle • Gov Pritzker’s Middle Housing plan • China revitalizes Nantou Ancient City (left top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
How Zoning Won
Anthony Flint, Bloomberg | February 19, 2026
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co. decision, which affirmed municipal zoning authority. Once hailed as a public health victory, zoning also enabled segregation, car dependence, and sprawl. Today, planners and some states are challenging conventional zoning and limiting local control.
NJ TOD News
Gov. Sherrill’s Transition Report Builds on NJ’s Affordable Housing Framework and Lays Foundation to Lower Housing Costs
Staff, Insider NJ | February 19, 2026
The Sherrill transition team released a report outlining strategies to reduce housing costs and boost home ownership. The plan calls for investing in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, directing NJ TRANSIT to identify state-owned properties for transit-oriented development, and expanding homeownership assistance through NJHMFA programs.
In Defense of Car-Light Planning
Marcelo Remond, Planetizen | February 19, 2026
Marcelo Remond argues that urbanists should pursue incremental car-light changes that reflect suburban realities, rather than push for a fully car-free America. He points to the New Jersey Transit Village Initiative as a model for gradually reducing car dependence through downtown redevelopment and targeted incentives.
ELIZABETH—JLL: ’Vintage City’ Team Lands $83 Million Debt, Mezzanine Deal for 258-Unit Elizabeth Project
Joshua Burd, Real Estate NJ | February 16, 2026
JLL secured $83 million to finance a mixed-use project next to the newly-renovated Elizabeth Station. The development will include 258 apartments, amenities, and 3,200 sq. ft. of ground-floor retail.
Gateway Hudson Tunnel Funding Resumes With $30M Payment
Giulia Hayward, Gothamist | February 15, 2026
After a court order lifted the federal funding pause, the Gateway Project received a $30 million disbursement, with another $175 million expected. The project will repair and replace tunnels damaged during Hurricane Sandy.
Transit and Equity News
NEW YORK—A Growing Movement for SEQRA Reform: Five New Organizations Join Broad Coalition Calling for SEQRA Modernization
Staff, Regional Plan Association | February 18, 2026
Five new organizations—including Riders Alliance and Housing Rights Initiative—joined a coalition for SEQRA reform, bringing total membership to 39. The coalition urges the New York Legislature to modernize SEQRA to advance housing, economic development, and transit projects.
TEXAS—San Antonio Attempts to Address ‘Missing Middle Housing’ by Analyzing Developer Roadblocks
Joey Palacios, Texas Public Radio | February 18, 2026
The San Antonio City Council directed its Neighborhood and Housing Services Department to identify incentives for “missing middle” housing. The City will pinpoint suitable land, create clear contacts for assistance, and streamline fee waiver to remove barriers to construction.
Congresswomen Simon and Jacobs Introduce Legislation to Support Affordable and Accessible Transit and Housing Developments
Press Release, Office of Representative Lateefah Simon | February 17, 2026
Representatives Lateefah Simon and Sara Jacobs introduced the Connecting Communities Through Transit Planning Act. The bill would permanently expand the federal Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development to fund planning and affordable housing development near transit.
ARIZONA—Phoenix Breaks Ground on The Moreland: A Landmark Affordable Housing Development Downtown
Press Release, City of Phoenix | February 12, 2026
The City of Phoenix broke ground on The Moreland, a 237-unit affordable housing development within walking distance of the Central Avenue light rail station. The public-private partnership combines city funding, LIHTC equity, and investment from companies including CVS Health.
Regional and National TOD News
ILLINOIS—Pritzker Proposes Statewide Zoning Standards to Boost Housing in Illinois
Ryan Kushner, Smart Cities Dive | February 20, 2026
Gov. JB Pritzker introduced the Building Up Illinois Development plan, establishing statewide zoning standards to legalize missing middle housing and ADUs. The plan would also provide $250 million for missing middle, mixed-use, and affordable housing projects.
PENNSYLVANIA—Langhorne Train Station Set for an Overhaul. SEPTA Wants Input
Lacey Latch, Bucks County Courier Times | February 18, 2026
SEPTA plans to develop the 1.7-acre parking lot at Langhorne Train Station into a walkable community through its Transit Oriented Communities Program. The agency will host an open house on March 23 and select a developer in 2027.
Urban Planners Explore the Science of Walkable Cities
Jeffrey Steele, Forbes | February 18, 2026
Researchers find that car-centric design harms physical and mental health and call for walkable environments that foster social connection. Pedestrian-friendly, nature-integrated urban spaces reduce cognitive load and stress while strengthening emotional bonds between people and place.
International TOD News
CHINA—Project Profiles: Regenerating China’s Urban Villages
Ron Nyren, Urban Land | February 18, 2026
China used a government-village-private joint venture to revitalize Nantou Ancient City, an urban village in Shenzhen that grew rapidly after its 1980 Special Economic Zone designation. The incremental approach renovated streets, replaced dilapidated buildings, and added art installations while preserving cultural heritage and preventing displacement.
CANADA—Line 5 Eglinton Light Rail Route Opens in Toronto
Staff, Railway Gazette International | February 13, 2026
Metrolinx launched Line 5 Eglinton on February 8 with free rides for passengers. The new 12-mile line includes 25 stops and connects with Toronto’s Lines 1 and 2 between Mount Dennis and Kennedy.
PHILIPPINES—Metro Manila Subway: Marcos Cites 29-Minute Valenzuela-BGC Travel Time as BGC Stations Break Ground
Staff, Asian Journal | February 13, 2026
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for two stations of the 20.5-mile Metro Manila Subway. The project aims to cut travel time between Valenzuela City and Bonifacio Global City to 29 minutes and serve 200,000 daily riders.
NIGERIA—Infrastructure Remains Catalyst for Economic Growth – Sanwo-Olu
George Okojie, Leadership | February 8, 2026
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu highlighted infrastructure as a driver of economic growth, pointing to the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Network as key to unlocking real estate investment and reducing congestion amid population growth.