In an opinion piece for Politico, three Washington insiders propose several principles along which the United States should re-imagine its infrastructure in order to provide the means for future prosperity.
Rather than focusing on repairing legacy systems that have outlived their usefulness, retired senator Byron Dorgan, retired General Jim Jones, and Mark Gerencser, managing partner of Booz Allen Hamilton, propose that the country would be better served by envisioning and building infrastructure to serve the needs of a 21st century economy.
Among their key principles along which to develop such systems:
- "Think innovation, not shovels. We won't solve our problems with repairs or extensions. America must re-imagine its infrastructure to meet the needs of its citizens in a future that abounds with opportunities and competitive challenges."
- "Plan regionally, think holistically. We need regional plans. But there is no consistent form of regional governance to plan or implement actions. "Megaregions" present real promise."
- "Build for the next century. Align incentives with objectives. Financiers, builders, owners, operators and users face perverse incentives. For example, users have the least say in infrastructure design, while those who pay for it often realize the least benefits. Adjust the incentives for the various stakeholders - and place users at the center of all designs."
FULL STORY: Re-imagining U.S. infrastructure

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.

Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.

German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie