A group of suburban mayors in the Cleveland area have proposed combining many of their cities' services to create a regional government structure they say will improve the area's economy and community planning.
"The mayors' plans are short on detail but include forming a countywide economic development agency to distribute federal, state and county money."
"The county won't bear all the burden. The mayors will consider encouraging cities to merge fire departments and other services."
"Proponents say the county is best suited to bridge interests, but it will have to move beyond traditional roles of distributing human services money and helping smaller communities with functions such as planning. Radical changes -- for example, switching from three commissioners to a single elected executive and a county council -- would require voter approval."
FULL STORY: Mayors see government cooperation as salvation

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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