The political debate surrounding the future of Oakland's streets has recently turned up a notch.
"Oakland’s City Council president wants to cut the city’s new Department of Transportation and fire its director, just as he embarks on a $100 million plan to fix deteriorating roads and fill potholes," report Rachel Swan and Sarah Ravani.
City Council President Rebecca Kaplan proposed the changes in a draft budget released as an alternative to a budget proposed by Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf in May.
The political spat is putting focus, again, on the city's infamously pothole-ridden streets, the subject of a controversial $100 million repair plan that made news in March in part because of its innovative approach to equity.
"Schaaf created the Department of Transportation three years ago, intending to transform the urban environment in Oakland, create a bike lane network and secure funding for major infrastructure projects," according to the article, but progress has been slow and resistance has been strong.
FULL STORY: Oakland council president proposes cutting Department of Transportation, firing director
Oakland Keeps its DOT, Moves Forward With Innovative Street Repaving Plan
The city of Oakland had a particularly tough budget approval process this year. The future of capital investments in the city's transportation system was at stake.
Federal Judge Strikes Down Oakland's Ban on Coal Exports
Shipping coal from Utah to export to Asia through a new cargo facility in Oakland, California took a significant step forward on May 15 with a strongly worded ruling condemning the adequacy of the city of Oakland's environmental analysis.
A Radical Idea to Help the Homeless: Homeowners Should Open Their Doors
The mayor of Oakland is challenging homeowners to offer their extra rooms and in-law units to the homeless, with a target to create a modest 100 new permanent supportive housing units.
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.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
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
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service