A bi-partisan PA bill with considerable support seeks to redirect funds from the Motor License Fund, paid by motorists, that currently go to the State Police to roads. The police budget would have to compete with other needs from the general fund.
The political attraction of the bill is that it funds state transportation without "new taxes or tolls" and without leasing the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
"The state DOT controls the Motor License Fund, which is supported by the state's fuel tax, motor vehicle license and registration fees, as well as other fees. The money supplies about two-thirds of the total State Police budget ($500 million annually).
During the next 10 years, the patrol would receive $50 million less than the prior year. Instead, the State Police budget would gradually be funded out of the state's general fund..
As a result of changing the funding setup, the state's DOT would gain $2.75 billion during the next decade for such projects as road and bridge work. More than 50 House Democrats and Republicans added their names to the list of bill co-sponsors."
The bill – HB2309 – is in the House Transportation Committee. All legislation must be approved by both chambers prior to the end of the regular session, which is scheduled for Nov. 30."
Thanks to Marilyn Skolnick
Read the full story: Pennsylvania bill would fund road and bridge work without tolls, new taxes
Police Don't Make Transit Safer, Report Says
TransitCenter's "Safety for All" report provides a counterargument to the "send more police" response to public safety concerns on public transit systems.
Tactical Urbanism Gurus Rethink Equity
Mike Lydon and Tony Garcia wrote the book on Tactical Urbanism, and as leading consultants of the practice in cities around the country, they have faced criticism in recent weeks and months for a lack of attention to matters of equity.
TriMet to Redirect Funding for Transit Police
A new approach to public safety is in the works in Portland.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
The LA housing policies making developers turn away from the city
Despite LA’s housing shortage, developers say the city’s "mansion-tax" and pandemic-era policies make it an unappealing place to build housing.
New density bill would require 7 California cities to establish regional transit hubs
The bill would also require major cities in California to permit high-rise residential buildings.
San Francisco supervisor looks to establish city’s first department of housing
The proposed agency would coordinate planning and financing around housing, as well as support affordable housing production.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello