El Paso Stays the Course

El Paso is moving forward with a number of transit projects, toward ambitious goals in mobility, quality of life, and air quality.

1 minute read

June 21, 2016, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


El Paso

Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock

Leak Binkovitz writes of the efforts of El Paso to improve walkability, bi-national connectivity, historic preservation, tourism, and air quality, through the implementation of its 2012 comprehensive plan, Plan El Paso. According to Binkovitz, Plan El Paso sets an ambitious target of creating an entirely new kind of city, built from models provided by the city's own past.

Big-ticket items in play in El Paso include a recently opened bus rapid transit line, plans for three additional BRT lines, and a streetcar line, currently under construction in the first of three phases. Plan El Paso "also includes the possibilities of light-rail, commuter rail and intercity rail projects, all of which would be part of transforming the city," writes Binkovitz.

In detailing Plan El Paso's components and the details of the transit projects proposed within, Binkovitz tells a much more positive story about the ambitions and accomplishments of Plan El Paso. Astute readers will recall, however, a much more critical take on Plan El Paso, written by Alana Samuels for The Atlantic in January 2016.

Monday, June 20, 2016 in The Urban Edge

Aerial view of homes on green hillsides in Daly City, California.

Depopulation Patterns Get Weird

A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.

April 10, 2024 - California Planning & Development Report

Aerial view of Oakland, California with bay in background

California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million

Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.

April 11, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

A view straight down LaSalle Street, lined by high-rise buildings with an El line running horizontally over the street.

Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing

Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.

April 10, 2024 - Chicago Construction News

Officials cutting a ceremonial red ribbon at Skyline Ranch Park in Santa Clarita, California.

New Park Opens in the Santa Clarita Valley

The City of Santa Clarita just celebrated the grand opening of its 38th park, the 10.5-acre Skyline Ranch Park.

April 18 - The Signal

Workers putting down asphalt on road.

U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause

A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.

April 18 - Los Angeles Times

Aerial view of Barcelona, Spain with Sagrada Familia church in middle among dense buildings.

How Urban Form Impacts Housing Affordability

The way we design cities affects housing costs differently than you might think.

April 18 - The Conversation

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.