The North Texas Regional Transportation Council issued a series of recommendations for state legislators that include more support for road safety projects and high-speed rail.
The North Texas Regional Transportation Council is asking state legislators for funding to improve transportation infrastructure and public transit in the region, reports Eric E. Garcia for Fort Worth Report. “The council also is advocating for innovative funding methods to expand rail and transit options with the North Central Texas Council of Governments representative area. Those efforts would include requiring expenditures from a portion of the Texas Mobility Fund for regional commuter rail and Class I railroad improvements, supporting dedicated funding for transit and rail via the Texas Department of Transportation’s budget rider and allocating money to the existing Texas Rail Relocation and Improvement Fund.”
The Dallas-Forth Worth area is seeing strong ridership on the rail lines that offer service in the region. The council is calling for a statewide high-speed rail authority to help coordinate planning efforts for future HSR projects. ““The council advocates lower excessive speed limits, including automated speed enforcement over 90 mph or in construction zones, reducing aggressive driving, increased enforcement of seat belt requirements and improved messaging in construction zones.””
Meanwhile, a proposed state bill would ask voters to decide whether the Texas Department of Transportation, which is currently constitutionally obligated to spend most of its funds on highway building and expansion, should spend a larger percentage on other transportation infrastructure.
FULL STORY: North Texas leaders seek funds to expand, improve transportation infrastructure
How Complete Streets Stands to Lose in the FY26 ‘Skinny Budget’
The President’s proposed budget could cut key resources for active transportation, public transit, and road safety programs.
Federal Rural Road Safety Funding Falls Short of Requests
Despite high rates of traffic deaths, rural communities lack the resources to address road safety issues.
Op-Ed: A Bold but Attainable Vision for Seattle’s Third Avenue
The editorial board of The Urbanist lays out their plan for a reimagined Third Avenue that plays to the strengths of the corridor while improving safety and transit service.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.
Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont