With severe budget shortfalls, Philadelphia has turned to its citizens to see where the city should make cuts and what citizens are willing to pay to save.
"Cities across America are struggling with such dilemmas as the recession blows holes in their budgets. In Philadelphia, city officials are asking the public to help them decide what to do."
"With painful spending cuts, tax increases, or both on the horizon, the city has conducted a series of public meetings to give citizens the chance for the first time to have their say on the new financial plan before it is drawn up."
"A majority of around 1,800 people who attended the four meetings were willing to pay higher taxes to preserve essential public services."
FULL STORY: U.S. cities face tough questions in budget squeeze

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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