The Republican and Democratic parties both claim to understand the importance of infrastructure, but they show support in vastly different ways.
Yonah Freemark digs into the information about what each of the two major political parties plan to do about infrastructure in the United States. On one side, the Republican Party platform [pdf] is pushing for a more limited federal role. On the other side, both the Democratic Party platform [pdf] and Hillary Clinton have pushed for expanded investments in infrastructure.
To create the analysis, Freemark digs into the official party platforms of both parties, together with an infrastructure plan released by the Hillary Clinton campaign. The campaign of Donald Trump has not released a similar infrastructure plan. Freemark then organizes the analysis on several themes, namely the role of the federal government, funding, public transportation and intercity rail, non-motorized modes, climate change, and project management. Freemark also adds a brief description of the policy agenda on these issues from the Libertarian and Green parties.
FULL STORY: Both parties claim support for investing in infrastructure. But how will they do it?
Does Place Matter Anymore? Cities and the 2016 Election
Cities have appeared to figure very little into the presidential election up to now. To get a sense of whether this impression is accurate, I spent some time looking at the two party platforms, and the two candidate's websites.
Do Republicans Hate Cities?
Author Kevin Baker offers a historical perspective of the Republican Party's shift to the "anti-urban party".
Executive Order Pauses Infrastructure, Clean Energy Funds
Trump’s order puts a freeze on unspent funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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)