Plans to replace Seattle's aging inner-city freeway with a $4.2 billion tunnel and expanded bus service have many lawmakers concerned about being able to raise enough money to make it happen.
"The proposal, announced with much fanfare in mid-January, offers several advantages: It can be built without interrupting traffic on the viaduct, and work on connections to state Route 99 would be done at the end and with much less disruption. Also, it eliminates the elevated 1953-vintage viaduct from the waterfront."
"Perhaps as important to politicians, it represents some agreement among the state, city and county, something that has eluded officials in the past."
"But some lawmakers are chafing at the cost of the tunnel, the highest of any alternative considered and not the first choice of three transportation agencies that studied the replacement in 2008. Some agonize over the proposed car-license tax increase proposed to help finance the project in an economic downturn when other programs face severe cuts and the state has an estimated $6 billion budget shortfall. Others want better access for neighborhoods served by the highway."
"A key part of the proposal -- a 1 percent increase in vehicle-license fees to finance expanded transit -- is in trouble as lawmakers weigh the prospect of increasing an unpopular tax."
FULL STORY: Waterfront tunnel plan faces tax hurdle
Seattle Lowers Transit Fares for Low-Income Residents
Joining Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, and Kansas City, Seattle now offers reduced bus fares to low-income residents. Some worry the program entrenches class differences and doesn't truly aid social mobility.
Seattle Tunnel Contracts Signed, But Opposition Remains
Contracts have been signed on a tunnel project to replace the earthquake-damaged Alaskan Way Viaduct in Seattle. But opponents are still trying to stop the project.
Tunnel Picked for Seattle Viaduct Replacement
Officials in Washington have come to a consensus on plans to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct, Seattle's damaged inner-city arterial. They've decided on a $4 billion tunnel, but the plans still need approval from the state legislature.
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.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
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