Detroit CEOs Want a Regional Transit Plan

The idea has failed before, most recently in 2016, but the attempt at wooing Amazon has the idea of a regional approach to public transit back on the table in Detroit.

1 minute read

April 16, 2018, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


SMART Bus

Mysid / Wikipedia

"A coalition of 23 metro Detroit CEOs representing most of the region's largest companies are making a public push to get political leaders to coalesce around a regional mass transit plan to put before voters in the November general election," reports Chad Livengood.

The latest germ of a regional transit plan had sprung from the city of Detroit's attempt to woo Amazon for the site of its second headquarters. Though Amazon passed on Detroit, the city's CEOs are calling for the regional transit to persist. The concept of a regional approach to transportation in Southeast Michigan most recently failed in the summer of 2016.

Though the letter did not endorse any specific plan, there is one already out there—a $5.4 billion, 20-year regional transit plan Wayne County Executive Warren Evan that would rely heavily on frequent buses and would develop a commuter rail line between Ann Arbor and Detroit.

The article includes more detail about the politics of regional plan, and how the CEO's letter could be used leverage in the debate about regional planning.

Sunday, April 15, 2018 in Crain's Detroit Business

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Aeriel view of white sheep grazing on green grass between rows of solar panels.

Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US

The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.

April 24, 2024 - Columbus Dispatch

Rendering of wildlife crossing over 101 freeway in Los Angeles County.

World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County

Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.

April 15, 2024 - LAist

Wind turbines and solar panels against a backdrop of mountains in the Mojave Desert near Palm Springs, California

California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours

The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.

April 24 - Fast Company

Close-up of hand holding up wooden thermometer in front of blurred street

New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths

Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.

April 24 - Associated Press via Portland Press Herald

View of Dallas city skyline with moderately busy freeway in foreground at twilight.

AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth

Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.

April 24 - Dallas Morning News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

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.