Councilmember Tom LaBonge urges county policymakers to plan for heavy-rail infrastructure for the future.
A member of the Los Angeles City Council for more than three years, Tom LaBonge was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Transportation Agency, replacing Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa by Mayor Jim Hahn in 2004. From that position, he has been an advocate for expanding the citys heavy rail system as a solution to traffic congestion, including pushing for a reversal of the 1998 county ban on heavy rail construction. In this interview with the Metro Investment Report, Councilmember LaBonge elaborates on his vision for future transportation investment in the region. [NOTE: This interview was conducted before the January 26 Metrolink train accident in Glendale.]
Thanks to Jason Weiner
FULL STORY: LA City Councilman & MTA Director Tom LaBonge Offers a Bullish Agenda for Rail

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses
The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund
A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards
Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.
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.
Ada County Highway District
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service