President Obama: 'We Can't Wait' For Expanded Transit In Minneapolis & Cleveland

Determined not to let 'congressional gridlock slow economic growth', Pres. Obama added two major transit projects to his 'We Can't Wait" initiative: the proposed Southwest Light Rail Line and Cleveland's University Circle – Little Italy Rapid Station

2 minute read

October 4, 2012, 10:00 AM PDT

By Irvin Dawid


President Obama announced the addition of the two transit projects to his economic stimulative program on Oct. 1. The "We Can't Wait" initiative expedites transportation projects through a Presidential Executive Order as opposed to congressional legislation.

"Per a presidential executive order issued in March, the Office of Management and Budget was charged with overseeing an effort to make the permitting and review process for certain infrastructure projects more efficient to shave time off the projects' schedules."

The Southwest LRT line, a "high frequency train serving the rapidly growing southwest metro area" in Hennepin County, including the Minneapolis suburbs of St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Edina, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie will bring them downtown and also provide "connections to the Hiawatha, Central, and Northstar rail lines." Planning is being done by the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority.

Local radio station, KARE 11 covered the support by the three largest local chambers of commerce. John Croman reports on the major political obstacle that, no doubt, President Obama would be able to relate to - opposition by Republican state legislators who didn't support past light rail projects. (See video accompanying the Feb 28, 2012 article, "Metro business groups promote Southwest Light Rail")

"The existing Hiawatha Light Rail line did not enjoy much Republican support, and the GOP lawmakers tried strip funding from Central Corridor Line currently under construction in Saint Paul and Minneapolis."

Progressive Railroading also reported on the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority's project, the University-LIttle Italy Rapid Station, that "involves the relocation of an existing station and construction of a new rail-transit station along with the rehabilitation of two rail bridges. The project is designed to integrate the station with the dense, high employment areas of the Little Italy neighborhood and University Hospitals."

Thanks to Progressive Railroading daily newsletter

Tuesday, October 2, 2012 in Progressive Railroading

Sweeping view of Portland, Oregon with Mt. Hood in background against sunset sky.

Oregon Passes Exemption to Urban Growth Boundary

Cities have a one-time chance to acquire new land for development in a bid to increase housing supply and affordability.

March 12, 2024 - Housing Wire

Aerial view of green roofs with plants in Sydney, Australia.

Where Urban Design Is Headed in 2024

A forecast of likely trends in urban design and architecture.

March 10, 2024 - Daily Journal of Commerce

Cobblestone street with streetcar line, row of vintage streetlights on left, and colorful restaurant and shop awnings on right on River Street in Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah: A City of Planning Contrasts

From a human-scales, plaza-anchored grid to suburban sprawl, the oldest planned city in the United States has seen wildly different development patterns.

March 12, 2024 - Strong Towns

Aerial View of Chuckanut Drive and the Blanchard Bridge in the Skagit Valley.

Washington Tribes Receive Resilience Funding

The 28 grants support projects including relocation efforts as coastal communities face the growing impacts of climate change.

March 18 - The Seattle Times

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18 - Beverly Press

View from above of swan-shaped paddleboats with lights on around artesian fountain in Echo Park Lake with downtown Los Angeles skylien in background at twilight.

LA's Top Parks, Ranked

TimeOut just released its list of the top 26 parks in the L.A. area, which is home to some of the best green spaces around.

March 18 - TimeOut

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

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.