Matthew Ridgeway wonders if the infrastructure benefits of new streetcar projects- facade improvement, streetscaping, community investment- could happen with direct investment, leaving streetcars out of the picture.
"The streetcar is once again becoming a key tool for economic development, this time to spur redevelopment of central city areas in transition. Examples of streetcar systems in the US include: Portland, Oklahoma City, and San Francisco. Each of these streetcar systems has resulted in major private-sector investment in the adjacent properties with windfalls to local jurisdictions resulting from increased property values, sales taxes, and job creation.
And yet in this go-round, the streetcar has not fundamentally changed access to an area. Where the streetcars of the early 1900's provided access to areas otherwise inaccessible, the current streetcar systems provide additional capacity to move people, but only nominally so and often at the expense of auto capacity. And the streetcars are often very slow. I have walked from Portland State University to the Pearl District staying ahead of the streetcar the entire mile-plus distance. So while we are infatuated with the streetcar (what is it about trains that gets people so excited?), is it really the streetcar that facilitates change and economic development? Or is it simply government investment?"
FULL STORY: Economic Stimulus that Improves Main Street
Streetcars and Recovery
A study of streetcar-adjacent development patterns in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina provides lessons for the many U.S. cities building and planning new streetcar lines.
Applying the Brakes to the Streetcar Revival
With Los Angeles, Charlotte, Washington D.C. and many more cities hoping on board, seats are filling up quickly on America's streetcar bandwagon. However, experts caution gung ho cities about unreal expectations for improving mobility.
Opinion: California’s SB 79 Would Improve Housing Affordability and Transit Access
A proposed bill would legalize transit-oriented development statewide.
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.
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.
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Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service