The Tucson-Phoenix region needs to start thinking about the long-term transit solution of high-speed rail, according to this op-ed.
"A visionary plan for the Tucson-Phoenix Corridor growth would have as its centerpiece a high-speed, heavy-rail connection of the French TGV or Japanese bullet-train variety. This transportation spine would employ proven, state-of-the-art equipment, be electrified, have two tracks - one for each direction - and be built on a new right of way. The 95-mile trip between cities would take 45 minutes at speeds up to 185 miles per hour. Stations would be in Phoenix, Maricopa, Casa Grande, Eloy, Marana, and Tucson. Trains would depart each city every 30 minutes."
"This electrified high-speed system and its supporting light-rail feeder connections would have the potential to dramatically reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, refocus attention from building highways to the use of energy-efficient public transportation, and stimulate commerce both between, and within, Phoenix and Tucson."
FULL STORY: From here to there, faster

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

Vehicle-related Deaths Drop 29% in Richmond, VA
The seventh year of the city's Vision Zero strategy also cut the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes by half.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

More Apartments Are Being Built in Less-Dense Areas
Rising housing costs in urban cores and a demand for rental housing is driving more multifamily development to exurbs and small metros.

Plastic Bag Bans Actually Worked
U.S. coastal areas with plastic bag bans or fees saw significant reductions in plastic bag pollution — but plastic waste as a whole is growing.

Improving Indoor Air Quality, One Block at a Time
A movement to switch to electric appliances at the neighborhood scale is taking off in California.
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.
Borough of Carlisle
Smith Gee Studio
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)