Repairing the nation's infrastructure is a good move on to-be President Obama's part, as it also creates jobs "that lead to the creation of still more jobs."
"The advantage of infrastructure spending for a liberal-leaning president is that it doesn't carry the whiff of welfare. It appears hard-headed, practical and anything but effete. Cutting a stimulus check? 'Girly-man' stuff, Schwarzenegger would say. Rebuilding a bridge? That's macho stimulus."
"Sure, any such package will raise howls from a new flock of deficit hawks, taking flight on creaky wings after eight years of being grounded under George W. Bush. But with a deep recession looming, the pressure on Obama to balance the budget will be minimal. His charge is to create jobs that lead to the creation of still more jobs.
The historical timing is right for massive investments. All over the country, bridges that were built as part of the Interstate Highway System are nearing the end of their useful lives. Traffic congestion in major metropolitan areas is sparking new interest in mass transit. The philosophical aversion to investments in high-speed intercity rail that has marked the past eight years is about to be loaded up on a moving truck and sent to that new presidential library in Texas."
FULL STORY: Momentum might be building to build up the U.S. infrastructure
Power Plants: A Win for the EPA
New rules from the US Environmental Protection Agency to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants survived an attempt by 25 Republican-led states to block their implementation while their case is litigated.
A Win for ‘Keep it in the Ground’
Coal mining in Wyoming will take a major hit as a result of a U.S. Department of Interior plan to cease future leasing of coal mines in the nation's most productive coal mining basin. The decision casts a spotlight on the presidential election.
Supreme Court Guts the U.S. EPA’s Ability to Limit Carbon Emissions
The consequences of this ruling have long been foretold. With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency now officially barred from the fight against climate change, Congress will have to act to reduce carbon emissions.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)