Neal Peirce sums up the movement across the country in cities like Houston, Denver, and Charlotte towards improved transit systems, while latecomer Atlanta wakes up to their transit deficit.
"America's major metro regions may be on the verge of transit independence.
They tap federal aid whenever they can. But increasingly they're being obliged to find money for system expansion right at home. They're learning to get cities and suburbs on the same page as they prepare for a post-petroleum age.
And where they're not succeeding, anger is mounting. Take the Atlanta region, legendary for its traffic tie-ups. It added 2 million people in 20 years but built little new capacity, and now needs to invest $50 billion in rails and roads. As recently as April, Georgia's legislature refused to let citizens of the region even vote on a sales tax boost to finance transit lines and roadway expansion.
'The business community is screaming for relief at the top of our voice,' says Sam Williams, president of the Metropolitan Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. He's not only urging early transportation investments but warning that 'failure to invest would spell economic disaster for Georgia.'"
FULL STORY: Metros Move to Forge Their Own Transit Futures

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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