Mayor Mark Funkhouser's new proposal calls for a regional transit system spanning 119 miles, though it relies on much less light rail than some transit advocates had hoped for.
"Mayor Mark Funkhouser's office today released more details of his regional transit plan, calling for a system that covers 119 miles in Jackson, Clay and Platte counties.
But the plan calls for only 11 miles of light rail, with many more miles of bus, streetcar and commuter rail. It would be paid for in part with a ½-cent sales tax that Funkhouser hopes voters will approve in the three counties in November."
"In a letter sent to 60 area elected officials, he wrote:
"Enclosed you'll find a map and financial data for a regional transit system spanning more than 119 miles. It is a multi-modal system, utilizing light rail, modern streetcar, commuter rail, bus rapid transit and express bus service to connect Grandview, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Blue Springs, Independence, Liberty, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Parkville, the airport, the stadiums and the heart of Kansas City.""
"Here's the link to the plan: http://www.kcmo.org/mayor/transit.pdf."
FULL STORY: Funkhouser releases regional transit plan

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
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie