Efforts by local leaders to revive a $3.4 billion plan to replace the bridge linking Portland, Oregon to Vancouver, Washington is just the latest example of a trend in metropolitan innovation in the face of federal and state gridlock.
"[A]fter more than 20 years and tens of millions of dollars’ worth of studies, [the Columbia River Crossing plan] was killed last month by the Washington State Senate after the Republican-dominated majority coalition declined to vote on financing it," writes Kirk Johnson. "The governors of Oregon and Washington, both Democrats, immediately ordered further planning work halted."
"Then, almost without missing a beat, local leaders picked up the ball. If political paralysis in Olympia, the capital of Washington, had killed the old proposal, they said, then cooperation on the ground, by people who have witnessed the region’s transportation changes firsthand, would find the way."
"There is a pattern in this, reflected across the nation, say planners, economists and academics: cities are taking the lead," explains Johnson. "As recession and government downsizing have squeezed federal and state options, and partisan stalemate politics have crippled some state capitals, local leaders have pushed the front lines of change, if only by necessity."
FULL STORY: Washington and Oregon Cities Try to Evade Political Jam to Build a Bridge
Reviving the Failed Columbia River Crossing to Connect Oregon, Washington
A project is back from the dead in the Pacific Northwest, at least in the eyes of the governors of Oregon and Washington.
New Hope for the Abandoned I-5 Bridge Project Between Oregon and Washington
The mayor of Vancouver, Washington is leading a goodwill campaign in the hopes of launching work on a new bridge over the Columbia River, after Washington abandoned Oregon on the project in 2013.
Anatomy of a Failed Infrastructure Project: Columbia River Crossing
Bloomberg Businessweek examines the failed Columbia River Crossing project as a poster child for how political dysfunction is derailing critically needed infrastructure.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)