Gov. Roy Barnes is spreading more than $8 billion across traffic-congested areas to give most commuters something they haven't had before -- choices.
"The plan, which will utilize proceeds from a federal bond program, will hasten a number of planned transit projects, as well as new and expanded roads. Almost $2 billion would be spent during the next five years on HOV lanes, $4 billion on rail and bus service, and nearly $4 billion on highway expansion, rural highway development and the Northern Arc. The total program will cost almost $10 billion, $907 million of which was already budgeted. The plan struck the right chord with just about everyone -- from conservative lawmakers to litigating environmentalists. It has seemingly satisfied most of his critics, at least for now. "It's hard not to be impressed," said attorney Wesley Woolf, who is representing a coalition of environmental groups suing the state over the 25-year regional transportation plan. "I think the program shows the governor understands many of the issues."
Thanks to Christian Peralta
FULL STORY: $8.3 billion transit plan gets fast-track acceptance

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

Vehicle-related Deaths Drop 29% in Richmond, VA
The seventh year of the city's Vision Zero strategy also cut the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes by half.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

A Case for Universal Rental Assistance
A pair of researchers argues that expanding rental assistance programs for low-income households is the most effective way to alleviate the housing crisis.

Office Conversions Have Increased Every Year This Decade
Since the pandemic, office vacancy rates remain high, leading many cities to adjust zoning codes to accommodate adaptive reuse.

Index Measures Impact of Heat on Pedestrian Activity
When heat and humidity are high, people are more likely to opt for cars when possible.
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.
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
Sarasota County Government
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)