D.C. Metro Seeks Public Input on Proposed Service Cuts
Faced with the task of closing a pandemic-sized hole in its budget, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro), an is asking for public input on how to cut spending, according to an article by Stephen Repetski.
"In total, the agency says it will need to cut $212 million from this year’s budget, assuming that no more Federal CARES act funding will be made available any time soon," writes Repetski. "The agency is also assuming that local jurisdictions, which contribute to the budget and subsidize service, will have no additional money to provide while dealing with their own budget crises created by the pandemic."
"Metro says it found ways to save $30 million by deferring projects in the capital budget and outlined $42.6 million in “management actions” including some furloughs and layoffs, but says they’ll need to cut the remaining $139.4 million from Metrobus/Metrorail service."
To prepare the public for the cuts, Metro created four proposals for how to cut service on Metrorail, along with a proposal for cuts on the Metrobus service. Metro official are hoping to use public input to decide among the four options.
According to data shared by Repetski, Metrobus ridership has proven much more steady and consistent during the pandemic than Metrorail ridership—a trend that has been witnessed in New York City as well.
FULL STORY: Facing budget cuts, Metro asks riders to select the least bad options
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.
Brightline West Breaks Ground
The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.
Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions
In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.