A regional rail and bus expansion is now being planned for several cities in North Carolina's Triangle Region. However, if the plan is to come to fruition, voters must agree to carrying half of the costs.
"A three-county citizens advisory group agreed Monday to push for an ambitious transit expansion that would increase local and regional bus service and spend $2 billion to launch trains across the Triangle by 2020.
Fifty-six miles of tracks would carry trains with commuters, students, shoppers and sports fans from Chapel Hill to Durham, Research Triangle Park, Cary, downtown Raleigh and North Raleigh.
Triangle voters would cover about half the cost if they agree to two new levies -- a half-penny sales tax and a $10 annual car registration fee, or their equivalent. Members of the Special Transit Advisory Commission also agreed to push for 25 percent funding from the state and 25 percent funding from Washington.
'I think we have a consensus for a 2020 plan, and a consensus that we need to find the money to make it work,' said George Cianciolo of Chapel Hill, a Duke University pathologist who is co-chairman of the 29-member advisory panel."
Thanks to Jeff Wood
FULL STORY: Regional rail rises from dead
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?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
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.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie