With TxDOT unwilling to cancel a controversial freeway expansion project, the city is looking for funding to mitigate the projected impacts.

Austin officials could apply for a federal grant of up to $124 million to fund deck plazas over Interstate 35, reports Kelsey Thompson for KXAN. The grant application is directed at the Our Future 35 program, an initiative to mitigate the impact of the Texas Department of Transportation’s plan to expand the freeway despite local objections. “Those deck plazas could support community resources like parkland and green space, public art, small buildings and other amenities.”
The total capping effort could range in cost between $600 and $800 million. According to Thompson, “The application comes more than a month after the city received $105.2 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Neighborhood Access and Equity program to support cap and stitch efforts.” However, the expansion project will likely still have negative impacts on local emissions and air quality.
FULL STORY: Austin could seek $124M federal grant to add highway coverings on top of I-35

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?

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.

Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.

Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.
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