The bill would tie transit funding to business subsidies as part of a broader economic development program.
A proposed bill in the Michigan state legislature would create a $2 billion transit funding program aimed at building new bus rapid transit (BRT) and commuter rail over the next decade.
As Brian Allnutt explains in Bridge Detroit, the bill, part of an initiative dubbed Make it in Michigan, would tie transit funding to other economic development programs that some critics say attract low-paying jobs to the state through tax incentives. “The legislation would extend incentives for businesses due to expire next year by another decade, providing $2.5 billion for companies investing in the state.”
For Megan Owens, executive director of the nonprofit Transportation Riders United, tying transit to business subsidies is a “necessary evil” to improve the state’s transit options. “The new legislation sets aside money for investments in transit, housing and community projects such as childcare. Michigan transit and mobility projects would receive $200 million a year, while housing and community projects would receive $100 million and $50 million, respectively.”
FULL STORY: Legislation could bring $1B in transit funding to metro Detroit over next decade
San Francisco’s Muni Ridership Grew in 2024
The system saw its highest ridership since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but faces a severe budget shortage in the coming year.
Colorado Lawmakers Move to Protect BRT Funding
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Postponed Milwaukee BRT Project at Least a Decade Away
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet
With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)