A coalition of leaders in the Appalachian region recently released the "Marshall Plan for Middle America" to create jobs and transition the states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky away from fossil fuels.
The "Marshall Plan for Middle America" calls for $600 billion in investments over a decade in the states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. The investments would transition the Appalachian region away from fossil fuels and into renewable and energy efficiency projects, according to an article by Reid Frazier.
The authors claim that the plan would create 270,000 direct and 140,000 "induced" jobs," according to Frazier.
Leslie Marshall, associate director of the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Sustainable Business and the lead author of the plan, is quoted in the article describing the "confluence of crises" the plan intends to address: climate change, social and economic inequality, and the pandemic.
"The plan does not specify where the money will come from, but suggests it could be funded through a mix of tax breaks, public-private partnerships, and alliances between labor, environmental, and academic institutions," according to Frazier, who also notes that the plan shares a lot in common with the Green New Deal.
According to a separate article on the plan by Chris Teale, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto has already spoken in support of the plan, but mayors from Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia have also signed on to support the plan.
As U.S. Transportation Infrastructure Holds Back Economic Recovery, It's Time for Change
Opinion: Six months into the pandemic, the state of the U.S. economy reveals that the planning profession can support struggling Americans by focusing on transportation and the land use patterns that enable mass transit.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Vital urbanism and a prescription for the post-pandemic city.
Anticipation, Costs Rise as Details of Biden's Infrastructure Plan Emerge
The Biden administration's highly anticipated infrastructure spending plan is expected to go public this week. After weeks of speculation about the size and focus of the plan, recent reports reveal a growing package and new revenue streams.
Eugene Ends Parking Minimums
In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.
How Paris, Texas Became a ‘Unicorn’ for Rural Transit
A robust coalition of advocates in the town of 25,000 brought together the funding and resources to launch a popular bus service that some residents see as a mobility lifeline—and a social club.
San Diegans at Odds Over ‘Granny Towers’
A provision in the city’s ADU ordinance allows developers to build an essentially unlimited number of units on single-family lots.
San Francisco Approves Zoning Reforms to Avoid ‘Builder’s Remedy’
The county board of supervisors voted to approve zoning changes that bring it closer to compliance with state housing mandates.
Where Are Millennials Moving to?
As the housing crisis rages on, four U.S. states are seeing high levels of new migration from young and middle-aged workers.
California Cities Cite Historic Preservation to Block Development
Are some cities using historic designations disingenuously?
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Park City Municipal Corporation
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
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.
