A sweeping set of bill approved by the State legislature could pave the way for a "transformational" investment in public transit throughout the Atlanta region.
State legislation approved in March will give voters in Cobb, Gwinnett and north Fulton counties Georgia another chance to approve new revenue sources for MARTA, the Atlanta region's transit agency.
According to an article by David Wickert, residents of these counties have had chances to approve taxes to support regional transit before, but an influx of residents into suburban counties has shifted the sentiment about public transit. Companies located in the area have also been successful in convincing local leaders that efficient traffic is essential for economic development.
Now that this state law has passed the Georgia State Legislature, 13 metro counties will be able to choose whether to impose sales taxes of up to 1 percent for mass transit. "Gwinnett County would be able to hold a MARTA vote this year. Cobb County could create a special transit district and have a MARTA expansion referendum by next year. Fulton County outside Atlanta also could be headed for a vote by 2019," writes Wickert.
FULL STORY: Bill could pave the way for MARTA expansion into Atlanta suburbs
The Advocacy Coalition Behind Minnesota’s Transit Funding Victory
The Minnesota State Legislature recently approved one of the most significant funding bills ever devoted to transit at the state level. The bill required rare political alignment and a new brand of advocacy.
Atlanta Transit Plans Stall Due to Budget Concerns
With MARTA facing a potential billion dollar shortfall, the agency says it can’t fulfill its system expansion plan.
The U.S. Lags in High-Quality Transit Investment
While other countries are boosting investment in their light and heavy rail systems, transit projects in U.S. cities have slowed, signaling diminished commitment to transit expansion.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.
Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont