The newest U.S. stimulus proposal is aimed at improving infrastructure but could go farther, says Jonna McKone from TheCityFix.com.
McKone writes about the recent $50 Billion Infrastructure push from the White House:
"The most intriguing piece of President Obama's new plan to infuse the U.S. economy with jobs - by renewing roads, rail and air travel - is the proposed $50 billion dollar infrastructure bank. While not a new concept, the creation of an infrastructure bank would likely benefit the country's aging infrastructure. However, the plan lacks detail on the types of projects the proposal would fund and how the federal government would seek long-term payoffs for the improvements.
Ideally, the infrastructure bank should align with the proposed National Transportation Objectives Bill, which establishes national objectives, including: promoting energy efficiency and security, ensuring environmental protection and safety, improving economic competitiveness, and providing equal access to transportation. Other objectives include reducing per capita vehicle miles traveled by 16% and transportation-generated CO2 levels by 40%, as well as tripling walking, biking, and public transit use."
Thanks to Garrett Bradford
FULL STORY: Obama’s Infrastructure Proposal: A Good Start That Needs Work

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service