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
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Colorado Lawmakers Move to Protect BRT Funding
In the face of potential federal funding cuts, CDOT leaders reasserted their commitment to planned bus rapid transit projects.
Postponed Milwaukee BRT Project at Least a Decade Away
The county’s transit system won’t pursue a second rapid bus line due to financial constraints.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
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The Five Most-Changed American Cities
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‘Quality Work, Fast’: NC Gears up for Homebuilding After Helene, Trying to Avoid Past Pitfalls
The state will field bids to demolish, repair and rebuild homes in the mountains. After struggles in eastern NC, officials aim to chart a different course.
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
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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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions