Two major reports released in the last couple of weeks detail very different approaches to fixing the highway system in the U.S. At the National Journal, experts weigh in on who has the right approach.
The debate is between a "Fix it First" policy as detailed by U.S. PIRG in their report Road Work Ahead: Holding Government Accountable for Fixing America's Crumbling Roads and Bridges, or a focus on relieving urban congestion as approached by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, in their report "Unlocking Gridlock."
Keith Laughlin, president of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, says, "Framing the issue as fix-it first vs. new highway capacity makes for a spirited debate, but leaves out some closely related elements of the equation, particularly (1) more effectively managing demand on existing highway capacity and (2) meeting increased demand for mobility through investments in expanding capacity in other transportation modes."
FULL STORY: How Should We Prioritize Highway Spending?
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
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