James Surowiecki argues that state governments are sabotaging the economic recovery, and simultaneously sinking the creation of a smart energy grid.
"It's easy enough, of course, to mock state governments nowadays, what with California issuing I.O.U.s to pay its bills and New York's statehouse becoming the site of palace coups and senatorial sit-ins. But the real problem isn't the fecklessness of local politicians. It's the ordinary way in which state governments go about their business."
Among the problems of state involvement in spending, Surowiecki also notes the disproportionate funneling of transportation dollars to rural areas rather than metropolitan ones.
"...whether we end up with true regional, let alone national, rapid-transit networks will depend largely on decisions made at the state, rather than the national, level."
Read the full story: Fifty Ways To Kill Recovery
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades
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Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies
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FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
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KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
Eagle County Government
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello