What could the city look like if budget and bureaucracy were no object?

In interviews with Houston Public Media, Houston mobility advocates and residents told Michael Hagerty what changes they would make to their city’s streets if they could.
One listener suggested getting rid of freeways inside the 610 loop and replacing them with surface boulevards that offer the potential for more uses.
Another wondered whether elevating roadways could prevent further road expansions. One listener wants to replace a local highway with a high-speed rail system complete with rail and bus connections to other destinations.
Some respondents criticized traffic calming measures, expressing the common concern that they negatively impact local businesses (bike lanes and other road safety infrastructure have been shown to be good for business). One listener called for adding a left turn lane and banning right turns on red on West Dallas Street to improve pedestrian safety.
Ultimately, it seems that Houston residents have opinions on their roadways — and many of them want to see safety improvements, pedestrian and bike infrastructure, and more transit options.
FULL STORY: If you could wave a wand and redesign a Houston road, what would you change and why?

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 States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.

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.
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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