After Atlanta's failed transportation tax referendum, commentators from across the country lamented the region's missed opportunity. Yonah Freemark looks south to Miami, a cautionary example where lofty goals for expanded transit have come up short.
With the opening of the 2.4-mile, one-stop Metrorail Orange Line extension to the Airport last weekend, completed at a cost of $506 million, Miami-Dade voters welcomed the "centerpiece" of the People's Transportation Plan (PTP), a 1/2¢ sales tax increase approved in 2002. Unfortunately, this line is the only portion of the "enormous expansion" of Metrorail that was supposed to be funded by the tax increase.
While "an impressive addition to the city's transit network," the extension offers a cautionary example of how rising construction costs (and low cost estimates) and disappointing tax revenues can sink ambitious transportation expansion plans.
"Does this mean Miami's new Metrorail extension is a waste of funds?" asks Freemark. "Not necessarily - especially considering Miami's distinctive position as
the 'capital of the Caribbean' - attracting millions of visitors and
business people each year through the airport. If the city's growth
continues to be based on its status in Latin America, the airport
connection may be invaluable."
"Miami, however, is a parable: Voters will not always receive that which they believe to have endorsed."
FULL STORY: Where There Were Once Many Lines Planned, Just One Opens in Miami

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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