The Power Of Land Use And Transportation

The federal government can play a transformative rather than divisive role if it becomes a better partner in land use, housing -- and especially transportation, writes Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-3) in this week's Planetizen Op-Ed.

1 minute read

September 14, 2004, 7:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


As more and more Americans understand the fundamental building blocks of livable communities -- places where our families are safe, healthy, and economically secure -- we will find tremendous similarities among communities large and small, conservative and liberal, urban and rural, throughout our nation... In the thirteen years since the passage of ISTEA (Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act) in 1991, an increasing number of Americans have come to appreciate the critical role that flexible transportation funding has played in the revitalization and enhancement of communities all across the nation.

Thanks to Chris Steins

Tuesday, September 14, 2004 in Planetizen

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A person crossing a street under hanging traffic lights in Maryland.

Maryland local governments examine if they should have more power to raise property taxes

Maryland’s housing market is out of reach for the majority of moderate-income residents.

30 minutes ago - Baltimore Sun

An Airo train driving towards the camera on a track. There is a forest behind it.

Northwest rail fans eager for Sept. 30 debut of Amtrak’s Airo fleet

Get ready for that new train smell and more seats. But they won’t go faster or run more frequently on the Cascades route in Washington and Oregon.

1 hour ago - Washington State Standard

A painted bus lane in NYC.

NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades

The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.

September 21 - NYC Streetsblog