A new study finds that Wisconsin spends big on highways and urban transportation while rural areas face gaps in service.

A new study on transportation equity in Wisconsin finds that public transit service is uneven throughout the state and underfunded overall. Authored by a coalition of non-profits, the study also notes that seniors, disabled residents, and low-income communities are most impacted by a lack of service.
In Urban Milwaukee, Mary Kate McCoy reports that one axis of the divide is rural versus urban spending: Demand for transportation options is increasing in rural areas with aging populations, but service to those areas is not. By contrast, Downtown Milwaukee recently opened a $128 million streetcar in hopes of spurring development and tourism.
But just as importantly, the report found that public transportation spending overall pales in comparison to spending on highways and auto infrastructure:
"In 2015, $1.7 billion out of the $3.1 billion transportation infrastructure spending was on state highways, the report says. At $144.5 million, state funding for public transit made up less than 5 percent of that total budget … Between 2000 and 2015, funding for new highway construction went up by 67 percent, while during the same period, local transportation funding increased by only 1 percent, according to the report."
FULL STORY: Study Finds Public Transportation Inequities

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses
The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund
A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards
Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.
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