Infrastructure
Wall Street Journal Editorial: Abolish Federal Gas Tax
As May 31 approaches—the date when the current patch bill that supplements insufficient gas tax revenues to the Highway Trust Fund expires, The Wall Street Journal, a favorite among many conservative political leaders, sends an unhelpful message.
U.S. EPA Announces New 'Water Infrastructure and Resiliency Finance Center'
The U.S. EPA recently announced the Water Infrastructure and Resiliency Finance Center "as a resource to communities to improve their wastewater, drinking water and stormwater systems." Two reports show why it's the new resources are so badly needed.
How to Turn Boring Utility Boxes into Public Art
Cities around the country have been making it easier to decorate mundane utility boxes into something more colorful and representative of the neighborhoods they serve.
An 'Energy Hub' Boomtown—In Philadelphia?
The Marcellus Shale boom has inspired some in Philadelphia to imagine their city as the "next Houston"—if it can attract the businesses and infrastructure to bring oil and gas in for the benefit of a homegrown manufacturing economy.
Plunging Fuel Prices Could Bring Plunging Fuel Taxes
It was considered a given by many analysts that global oil prices would only increase as world oil demand outstripped supply, so switching to percentage-based fuel taxes from per-gallon taxes made sense, until OPEC chose not to restrict their output.
South Dakota Governor Proposes Perpetual Gas Tax Increase
Gov. Dennis Daugaard, who pledged not to raise taxes during his first term, proposed in his state of the state to increase the state gas tax two cents on July 1, and then two cents a year thereafter, to fund state and local roads and bridge repairs.
Can the 2024 Olympics Help Boston Plan for a Better 2124?
Can the Olympic bid provide an impetus for long-range planning for the Boston metropolitan area?
California High-Speed Rail's Second Construction Contract: $1.36 Billion
A week after the groundbreaking ceremony for California's beleaguered high speed rail project, a second construction contract has been awarded. The rail authority will now build 29 miles north and 65 miles south of Fresno to the Kern County line.
Bikers Increase 81 Percent on Protected Bike Lane in Minneapolis
Minneapolis provides evidence of the power of robust bike infrastructure to attract additional bike riders.
Transportation Secretary Foxx Lays Policy Groundwork at TRB's Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the Transportation Research Board provided an opportunity for Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to begin to address the changing needs of the nation's transportation system.
Bikeshare in Eugene Looking Like a Winner for 'ConnectOregon' Grants
Bike Portland reports that a state committee recommended a Eugene bikeshare system as a top priority for a new round of "ConnectOregon" grants.
New Guide Provides Advice for Successful Regional Planning
Transportation for America has released "The Innovative MPO"—a guidebook of sorts that provides lessons in successful regional planning.
Two-Mile Freeway Cap to Cover the Autobahn in Hamburg
After deciding to widen the Autobahn 7 through Hamburg, Germany, local planners also decided cover the highway with parks. The benefits of the plan will include reconnected neighborhoods and noise reduction.
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.
Congressional Impediments to 'Considering' an Increased Gas Tax
Look no further than House Speaker John Boehner. MSNBC contributor Steve Benen reports on a Jan. 8 Capitol Hill press conference where the Republican speaker from Ohio appeared to put the kibosh on even considering a federal gas tax increase.
Three States Hope to Take Advantage of Low Gas Prices to Boost Gas Taxes
A movement at the state and federal levels would take advantage of low oil prices to boost gas taxes to pay for infrastructure. Michigan, Iowa, and Utah proposals, and a change to the federal Corker-Murphy plan, are described below.
Nebraska Supreme Court OKs Keystone XL; U.S. Senate has the Next Move
The House voted for the tenth time to approve the pipeline, and a split decision by the Nebraska Supreme Court removes a key objection of President Barack Obama to ruling on Keystone XL. The Senate begins debate Monday.
Explained: How CTA Heat Lamps Warm Commuters
Much of the United States went through a cold snap in recent days. How many of you transit commuters sought refuge under heat lamps this week?
Gov. Brown Sets Ambitious Agenda for Environment, Infrastructure Goals in Fourth Term
The California governor began an unprecedented fourth term by laying out goals to reduce carbon emissions and oil consumption, address road and bridge maintenance, build high speed rail, and construct two huge water tunnels under the Sacramento Delta
Idaho Legislators Weigh Gas Tax Increase
Calling it an "ideal time" to increase the 25-cent gas tax due to the lowest gas prices in five years, Rep. Linder Bateman (R-Idaho Falls) said legislators will have to "bite the bullet" to address aging road and bridge infrastructure.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
