Two Virginia cities were awarded federal funding aimed at improving connections between neighborhoods cut apart by freeway construction.
The cities of Richmond and Norfolk, Virginia were awarded almost $3 million in federal funding through the Reconnecting Communities grant program, reports Kassidy Hammond for WRIC.
The grant is targeted at redressing the impacts of Interstates 95 and 64, which isolated the historically Black Jackson Ward neighborhood from the city, cutting off economic opportunities and displacing thousands of residents. The $1.35 million allocated to Richmond will fund a new bridge or freeway ‘lid,’ yet to be determined.
The Reconnecting Communities program is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and one of the first federal efforts that directly acknowledges the destructive impacts of freeway construction on urban neighborhoods. While the program is designed to repair the damage rampant freeway construction inflicted on many communities of color, often dividing neighborhoods and cutting off access to transportation, parks, and urban amenities, some critics warn that transportation departments could use the money to counterintuitively fund road expansion projects.
FULL STORY: Richmond receives $1.35M to reconnect historic Jackson Ward neighborhood
Quantifying the Losses Caused by New Freeways
Data shows cities lose millions in potential property taxes when highways displace homes and businesses.
The Limitations of ‘Reconnecting Communities’
The Biden administration has pledged to correct the damage imposed on communities by highways and infrastructure, but many projects are only committing to minor improvements, not transformative changes.
‘Reconnecting Communities’ Could Fund Highway Expansions
Applications to the program reveal a pattern of state agencies requesting funds for projects that perpetuate car-centric development with only nominal equity components.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
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)