Neal Peirce takes a hopeful look at President-elect Barack Obama's willingness to invest in infrastructure.
"It's a once-in-a-generation opportunity, driven by a popular president-elect, to mount a massive national infrastructure rebuilding program."
"There's no doubt we need it: estimates of our deferred spending on roads, bridges, rail lines, transit, schools, water and sewer systems run into the trillions of dollars. Other nations are racing ahead of us on issues like high speed rail, critical in a post-carbon era. Our long-term global competitiveness is at stake."
"What a change! No administration of the last four decades has had the courage to challenge the country to step up to the plate, to support really serious infrastructure reinvestment for our future."
"But the next stimulus package–perhaps $700 billion, backed by President-elect Obama and a good bet to get swift congressional passage once he's sworn in, provides an ideal vehicle."
FULL STORY: Finally a Green Light For Smart Infrastructure?

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

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

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.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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