Former Congressman Ernest Istook discusses why the automobile is the ultimate manifestation of freedom, mobility, and personal choice, and argues for a re-allocation of public spending away from mass transit and other alternatives.
"Let's hear it for automobiles."
"They are the great American freedom machines."
"They offer us enormous opportunities to go where we want, when we want. They are even more energy-efficient than the mass transit systems touted by "smart growth" advocates."
"Autos dramatically expand the geographical area in which people can work, shop, eat, attend school or just enjoy themselves without the extra time needed to match public transit schedules or to walk or bike. With extra range of movement comes a huge range of extra opportunity."
"Yet professional planners have persuaded government to sink billions into trying to push us into mass transit. Since 1970, more than half a trillion dollars have been pumped into mass transit subsidies. The result? More than 95 percent of America's workers still drive to work."
FULL STORY: The great American freedom machine
'Economic Mapping' to Help Regional Planning
Identifying potential hubs and activity centers allows regions to foster economic growth and density.
Learning from the National Household Travel Survey
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In Sprawling Charlotte, Traffic Jams Point to Climate Solutions
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The City of Broken Sidewalks
Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?
Shifts in Shopping: Transforming Malls Into Parks
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Major US Cities Still Suffering Downtown Decline
Research shows that the “donut effect” hollowing out central business districts since the pandemic continues to cause economic decline in the 12 largest American cities.
Bike-Mounted Sensor Could Improve Safety for Cyclists
A new camera technology can detect when vehicles pass too close to people on bikes.
GM Nixes Robotaxi Division
The company suspended the Cruise self-driving taxi service late last year after a vehicle struck and seriously injured a pedestrian.
Oklahoma Housing Agencies Face Major Budget Gaps
Housing authorities around the country will have a shortfall of $400 million by the end of this year.
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.
City of Prescott
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Village of Glen Ellyn
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
CORP - COnsulting Research Projects
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners