2010 may turn out to be a landmark year for public transportation in the Atlanta metropolitan area, with legislation that could let municipalities levy sales tax increases to help fund transit projects.
"On Jan. 14, Gov. Sonny Perdue, who has often stayed on the sidelines as others worked for transportation funding - or worked to defeat it - became the face of the battle to pass it. Together with developments in Washington, it makes for a head-turning moment for Atlanta transportation funding advocates.
But they're not pulling out the confetti just yet, especially after major funding proposals failed the past two legislative sessions. Whether the House and Senate can agree with Perdue on all-important details is yet to be seen. And even the most ambitious proposals on the table now may leave critical problems in limbo."
Governor Perdue is pushing the legislation to allow the sales tax increases throughout the state. This sort of tax increase could raise nearly $800 million per year for transportation projects in the Atlanta Metro area.
Read the full story: Is metro commute nearing a change?
Light Rail Plans Could Become Bus Rapid Transit Plans in Atlanta
Light rail on the Clifton Corridor was once a centerpiece of a $2.7 billion, 40-year transit expansion plans funded by a voter-approved sales tax. Now MARTA is considering using bus rapid transit on the corridor instead.
Swapping One Tax for Another to Fund Bus Improvements
Cincinnati area voters might get a chance to decide the future of transit funding in the city of Cincinnati and the county of Hamilton.
Atlanta to Use Transportation Sales Tax Money on Park Expansion
Transportation tax funding has suddenly been diverted to a park project in Atlanta, and a few voices want to know why. The project still gained approval, however.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
Satanic place names
From streams and lakes to valleys and canyons, I mapped more than 1,000 places named after the Devil.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority