All of Fulton County, Georgia except Atlanta (which has its own transit plans) is moving forward with a new transit agenda.
"A master strategy of expanding transit through higher-speed bus routes…gained consensus support from Fulton County [Georgia] commissioners and mayors," reports John Ruch.
In effect, the decision moves forward the Fulton Transit Master Plan, which sets a 40-year agenda for transit planning and development for the county. "The 40-year plan envisions a county-wide mass transit for major corridors. It includes all Fulton cities except the biggest: Atlanta, which already has a massive MARTA expansion coming thanks to a sales tax increase approved by voters in 2016," according to Ruch. Atlanta has also been exploring options in bus rapid transit, according to an article shared by Planetizen Contributing Editor Casey Brazeal in September 2017. The plan also gives a blessing to a proposal that would extend the MART Red Line light rail route farther north into the county.
"The decision could mean a sales tax funding request as soon as next fall, and it readies the county for possible new transit funding or governance coming out of the state legislature this session," adds Ruch.
Fulton County's transit funding and planning activities relative to the city of Atlanta has been the subject of discussion, and some criticism, over the years. The current plan grew out of a trio of 2016 ballot initiatives that created new funding. Planetizen correspondent Irvin Dawid noted in November 2016, however, that much of Fulton County's efforts will go into road construction projects.
FULL STORY: Sandy Springs mayor, other Fulton leaders agree on bus transit expansion
The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall
The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.
Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities
The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.
Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly
The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.
LA-to-San Francisco Night Train Closer to Reality
A train operator has entered into formal negotiations with Union Pacific to move the project forward with a projected launch date of 2025.
Lawsuit Aims to Stop Dodger Stadium Gondola
A proposed aerial tram project that would shuttle visitors to L.A.’s Dodger Stadium faces backlash from environmental and community groups.
Why Parking Reform Goes Hand in Hand With More Housing
To achieve the full benefits of ‘missing middle housing’ and make way for small-lot construction, cities must rethink parking mandates.
City of Yakima
City of Auburn
Baylands Development Inc.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Birmingham, Alabama
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
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.