The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) has committed to a drastic shift in its transportation planning paradigms.
"NOACA, the regional agency which shepherds in plans for transportation, air and water quality, started updating its policies and shifting priorities—from an enabler of a car-centric transportation system to one that reflects a fiscal austerity of a state still feeling the effects of the recession," reports Marc Lefkowtiz.
Lefkowtiz credits the change in direction to "new leadership at its board, executive and staff" focusing on fixing broken streets in Northeast Ohio before continuing its old pattern of building new highways for a "flatlined" population.
According to Lefkowitz, "[t]he reform efforts were outlined in a strategic plan in 2014 and are now translating into policy that will bring the agency in compliance with its own bylaws, societal expectations of acting to forestall climate change, and demographic changes like a recent uptick in urban population and transit and bike use."
NOACA took several substantial steps, including funding changes, redefining which communities are considered "urban core," and more, at a recent board hearing—the details of which make up the bulk of Lefkowitz's coverage.
FULL STORY: Northeast Ohio's transportation agency moves toward fix-it-first with policy updates
Equitable Transportation Planning Initiative Advances in Northeast Ohio
The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) is moving forward with a groundbreaking policy to consider regional economic inequities when evaluating potential highway projects.
Local Opposition to Ohio DOT's I-77 Widening Plans Near Akron
The Ohio Department of Transportation wants to add lanes to Interstate 77 outside Akron to reduce congestion. Some local officials think the project will connect the region to the East Coast; others think the money would be better spent locally.
New Layer of Equity Analysis Considered for Regional Planning in Northeast Ohio
The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) is considering a new policy that will add considerations about regional economic inequities when evaluating potential highway projects.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service