Having spent an inordinate amount of time in preliminary engineering, the major transit project for the San Francisco Bay Area is in serious financial trouble, according to the FTA, and could have its $750 million grant withdrawn.
"The Central Subway would reach 1.7 miles from Fourth and King streets (San Francisco Caltrain depot) under Market Street and into Chinatown. It's estimated to cost $1.4 billion and carry 44,700 riders a day by 2030." The subway is actually a continuation of the recently opened light rail line to the city's southeast neighborhoods (see Planetizen link).
"An analysis by federal officials said there are 'significant uncertainties' over the project's alignment and financial plan. Specifically, the report said Muni must complete a realistic plan and schedule, secure more local funding and clarify operating cost estimates by Sept. 30 or be removed from the list of projects recommended for federal funding."
As reported in Planetizen in October, Muni had yet to close a $400 million funding shortfall for the subway extension of the T-Third light rail line.
"This is a warning, and not all warnings are bad," said James Simpson, Federal Transit Administration administrator, who likened it to a schoolchild getting a midterm warning of unsatisfactory work. "This is a serious wake-up call for the grant recipient."
"An independent study commissioned by the city's Municipal Transportation Agency and released last month said the subway would be costly and wouldn't do much to address future transit needs."
Thanks to MTC-ABAG_Library
FULL STORY: Feds threaten to cut Central Subway funds - S.F. transit officials have until Sept. 30 to address key issues

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.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

Car Designs Make it Harder to See Pedestrians
Blind spots created by thicker pillars built to withstand rollover crashes are creating dangerous conditions for people outside 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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie