The U.S. House of Representatives approved the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act earlier this month. Transit advocates say the bill reinforces the car-centric status quo.

"The latest COVID-19 relief bill perpetuates some of the worst aspects of American transportation policy — and barely acknowledged how our transportation realities have shifted in the wake of the pandemic," according to Kea Wilson's assessment of the HEROES Act.
The Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act has been approved by Democrats in the House of Representatives, but Senate Republicans have been less than supportive, so the bill is likely to change substantially if it is approved.
Among the spending included in the proposed $3 trillion bill are $15 billion for the Federal Highway Administration to distribute to transportation departments across the country and $16 billion for public transit. "Advocates quickly questioned both numbers — the former because it was too large, and the latter because it was too small," according to Wilson.
As explained by Wilson, the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials has been lobbying for funding to deal with anticipated shortages of transportation revenues as people stay home and drive less at unprecedented levels. Planetizen has covered news about expected gas tax revenue declines in Missouri and California.
On the transit side, the American Public Transportation Association earlier this month requested $23.8 billion in emergency funds to support public transit, so the HEROES Act falls far short.

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.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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