With $2.5 billion in new transit funding generated by a half-cent sales tax, Atlanta has choices about the future of its public transit systems. One advocate says investments should target economic mobility for low-income communities.

Che Watkins, president and CEO of the Center for Working Families, makes the case for transit investments as a key tool for reducing poverty by improving access to jobs.
Watkins pens the opinion piece in context of the ongoing public comment period for the More MARTA plan, which will chart a path for $2.5 billion over the next 40 years generated by the half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2016.
"I truly hope that specific attention has been paid when designing the plan, not just on getting people to their favorite restaurant or concert, but also has an eye towards equity when it comes to underserved communities," writes Watkins. "I hope that the plan considers: Where are the additional jobs that can be accessed and what kinds of jobs are they? Are they in Midtown, Buckhead or Downtown and are higher income jobs or will there be improved access to jobs for entry level and mid-level positions?"
FULL STORY: More MARTA Can Increase Access To Jobs, Equality

Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units
Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

LA Falling Behind on Housing Goals
Last year, the city permitted just 30 percent of the number of housing units needed to meet a growing need.

Connecting Communities to Nature Close to Home
Los Angeles County’s Nature in Your Neighborhood program brings free, family-friendly wellness and nature activities to local parks, making it easier for residents to enjoy and connect with the outdoors.

Palmdale’s Beloved Water Park Gets $2 Million Upgrade
To mark its 20th anniversary, DryTown Water Park has undergone major renovations, ensuring that families across the Antelope Valley continue to enjoy safe, affordable, and much-needed water-based recreation in the high desert.
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