This editorial argues that Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser's plans for a regional light rail system are ambitious and not likely to succeed, but they are a powerful example of the froward-thinking mindset more cities need.
"Funkhouser hopes to build consensus for his regional transit plan."
"Not very likely when the mayor of the area's second-most populous city thinks Funkhouser is off-track."
"'His timing isn't good,' Overland Park Mayor Carl Gerlach told me Thursday afternoon. 'We've got too many other needs in Johnson County ahead of light rail.'"
"Still, I respect Funkhouser for trying, even if the odds are against crafting a metrowide coalition for regional light rail in several years, let alone the months-long timetable Funkhouser has in mind."
"The way it's done, see, is that you begin with a short starter line and build out from there."
"Funkhouser knows that and says he'd support the shorter system, if it comes to that (which it will)."
"But to his credit, Funkhouser isn't interested in being practical and cautious. For KC to be competitive economically with other big cities around the country, he's right when he says the metro area needs a regional transit system - and soon."
FULL STORY: Funkhouser’s regional light-rail plan faces uphill battle, but he deserves credit for trying
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design
Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.
Federal Resilience Program a Lifeline for Affordable Housing Providers
The little-known Green and Resilient Retrofit Program funds upgrades and repairs that improve efficiency and comfort in existing housing stock.
Fort Worth To Relaunch Bike Share System in January
Trinity Metro shuttered its current system at the end of November and plans to relaunch with a mostly-electric system.
A Brief History of Kansas City’s Microtransit
The city’s costly experiment with on-demand transit is yielding to more strategic investment.
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.
Village of Glen Ellyn
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners