An initiative in the early stages in Toronto would require city planners, among other public officials, to more directly consider the needs of the female residents of the city.

Lauren Pelley reports that Toronto city staff "have outlined a plan for bringing a gender-based lens to city programs and services — in areas like housing, transit, child care, and urban planning — while establishing a new unit to make that strategy a reality."
City staff have prepared a report for implementing the gender-based considerations for presentation to Mayor John Tory's executive staff.
To exemplify the need for a gender inequity focus at the city level, Pelley cites examples like the wage gap between genders in the city and the need for public safety considerations designed specifically for women and girls. The report also notes a shortage of female leadership in the city, both in private business and in elected positions.
The gender equity effort "started with a survey from Vienna city officials two decades ago on how residents use public transportation, notes coverage from CityLab," explains Pelley. "It found women used public transit more often than men, and made more trips on foot."
FULL STORY: Gender equity lens for Toronto city planning 'long overdue,' councillor says

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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