Former state senator and finance director Steve Peace discusses the state's current fiscal challenges, the prospects for comprehensive structural reform, and California Today.
After serving as an Assemblyman then State Senator from San Diego, and, most recently, as Governor Davis Director of Finance, Steve Peace knows a thing or two about state fiscal policy and the mechanics of state, regional and local government. Earlier this spring, Peace launched a new, bi-partisan civic organization, California Today a think tank dedicated to economic issues facing California. Its first goal is to repeal, or at least modify, the federal governments alternative minimum tax (AMT). MIR is pleased to present this interview with Steve Peace, the first of a two-part series, in which he addresses both our increasingly dysfunctional fiscal relationship between state and local government, and how the Schwarzenegger administration is faring in tackling the severe financial issues it has faced over its first several months in office.
Thanks to Larry Segal
FULL STORY: Former State Finance Director On State Budgets Past, Present & Future

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie