The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.

The 5.5 mile South Central Extension to the Phoenix light rail system is slated to open June 7, reports Taylor Seely for Arizona Republic. The line was originally scheduled to open in 2023, but pandemic-related supply chain and workforce disruptions cause delays.
Construction work for the new line also included enhanced bike lanes, shade structures, new drought-tolerant landscaping, and public art along the corridor.
According to a statement from Valley Metro, “The extension ... is expected to add more than 8,000 daily riders to the light rail system, which currently serves approximately 35,000 boardings per day.” The extension connects the historically underserved communities of south Phoenix with downtown and neighboring Mesa.
During construction, the city sought to mitigate economic losses for local businesses through a grant program that supported small businesses along the corridor.
FULL STORY: South Phoenix light rail extension to open soon. Here's when

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

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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)