A detailed list of each U.S. president’s contributions to transportation.
A database from the Eno Center for Transportation outlines each U.S. president’s transportation innovations, beginning with George Washington’s transportation safety efforts and ending with Dwight D. Eisenhower’s massive freeway building project.
Best known for his presidency during the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln was also a strong supporter of railroads, a nascent technology at the time. “Although President Lincoln was assassinated before the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific joined in Utah, he would be seen as the “Great Uniter” who not only kept the Union together, but also connected the two coasts by rail, cutting travel time from several months to less than a week.”
During the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs funded major construction projects around the country, setting up an early blueprint for the interstate highway system.
See the source article for the full list.
FULL STORY: From Lighthouses to Electric Chargers: A Presidential Series on Transportation Innovations
Freedom to Move: Investing in Transportation Choices for a Clean, Prosperous, and Just Future
This Union of Concerned Scientists study examines why and how to improve resource-efficient travel options to achieve diverse goals. It estimates that more efficient transport could save up to $201 billion in energy and $128 billion in health costs.
Book Review: Combining Sustainability and Smart Growth
A review of The Sustainable Urban Design Handbook, by architects Nico Larco and Kaarin Knudson.
The 100-Year Road to Car Dependency in the US
October 8, 2024, marks the centennial of the publication of what would soon become the Los Angeles Traffic Ordinance — a landmark on the road toward our car-dominated status quo.
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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie