Public transit is increasingly a target of the Koch brothers' crusade against big government.
In recent years, Koch-funded groups like Americans for Prosperity have worked to tank more than two dozen local transit measures nationwide, according to the New York Times.
Their efforts are often successful. Times writer Hiroko Tabuchi explains how earlier this year, Americans for Prosperity helped ensure the loss of a $5.4 billion transit plan in Nashville. In Indiana last year, they fought a plan to raise a billion dollars through a gas tax. And in New Jersey, they campaigned against a proposed gas tax increase.
The anti-transit campaigns are one piece of a broader opposition to big government and taxes, apparently driven both by libertarian philosophy and financial interest. As Tabuchi points out, Koch Industries companies produce gasoline, asphalt, and car parts, and the political groups they fund have proved willing to support government spending on highways and roads.
FULL STORY: How the Koch Brothers Are Killing Public Transit Projects Around the Country
Scoop: Koch Brothers Connections to Phoenix Anti-Transit Initiative Revealed
New evidence reveals the deep involvement of Koch Industries funding in the Phoenix anti-light rail campaign.
Light Rail Plans Survive Election Challenge in Phoenix
An election to decide the fate of public transit planning in the city of Phoenix captured national attention as a bellwether for public opinion. Unofficial results have public transit winning with plenty of votes to spare.
Who's Advocating Rolling Back Fuel Economy Standards?
Conventional thinking is that the auto industry, wanting to sell more fuel-gulping SUVs, are pushing for weaker fuel economy standards, but Hiroko Tabuchi, climate reporter for The New York Times, exposes Big Oil's stealth campaign.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)