The speculation about a planned transit investment program in Nashville began in August, and now the mayor is throwing full support behind a referendum that would raise four kinds of taxes to pay for a $5.2 billion in transit investments.
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry this week "unveiled a monumental proposal for a $5.2 billion mass transit system, the most expensive, far-reaching and complicated project in Metro history," reports Joey Garrison.
Planetizen last caught wind of this ambitious transit infrastructure investment package in August, after the Nashville Metro Transit Authority released a "High Capacity Transit Briefing Book" [pdf] to map out the prospective system. Now Mayor Barry is pushing for a May referendum "to approve via referendum raising four taxes to pay for the massive undertaking," according to Garrison. "Leading the way as a revenue generator would be a one-half percent hike to the sales tax that would jump to 1 percent in 2023. [The mayor has] also proposed increases to the city’s hotel-motel tax, rental car tax and business and excise tax."
FULL STORY: Mayor Barry unveils sweeping $5.2 billion transit proposal for Nashville with light rail, massive tunnel
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design
Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.
Opinion: Federal Government Must Continue Supporting Rural Housing Program
The incoming Congress will have a say in bolstering — or harming — the only federal housing program focused on affordable housing in rural areas.
Chicago Budget Fails to Include Snow Plowing Program
Disability rights advocates say the “Plow the Sidewalks” program is a necessity for Chicagoans with limited mobility in winter months.
Indy Bike Share Sees Sharp Growth Thanks to Free Pass Program
A new fleet of e-bikes and free access for Marion County residents are getting more people on bikes.
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.
Village of Glen Ellyn
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners