Metro struggles to remain financially solvent and maintain service.
A recent report released by a blue ribbon panel of transit experts has suggested several solutions to the D.C. regional transit system's looming financial crisis. The most popular idea is a regional sales tax that would be assessed in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Metro has long suffered from a lack of dedicated funding and has instead placed more fiscal burden on farebox revenues. This strategy forces the transit authority to "throw itself annually on the mercy of partnering governments." After 25 years of service, Metro has exceeded ridership expectations and is a centerpiece of regional transportation and development. However, the bus and rail system is "literally falling apart" without the necessary funds to make capital improvement to meet future demand. Transit bureaucracy in the Washington region is unique in that it requires the coordination of two states and the District of Columbia on all matters from operations to budgets.
Thanks to Peter Buryk
FULL STORY: Literally Falling Apart

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

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

Map: Where Senate Republicans Want to Sell Your Public Lands
For public land advocates, the Senate Republicans’ proposal to sell millions of acres of public land in the West is “the biggest fight of their careers.”

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

California Homeless Arrests, Citations Spike After Ruling
An investigation reveals that anti-homeless actions increased up to 500% after Grants Pass v. Johnson — even in cities claiming no policy change.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)