Columnist Neal Peirce throws his weight behind the Obama Infrastructure Bank proposal.
"While the world races down the infrastructure expansion track, we're constantly shortchanging decaying bridges, aging interstates, antiquated water systems, or high speed rail serious enough to one day rival Europe, Japan or China.
A serious infrastructure bank could start weaning us away from congressional pork-barrel spending and our 'silo' pattern ideas of funding infrastructure - roads and transit, airports, waterways and railways, in separate 'buckets.'"
Peirce highlights that the infrastructure bank proposal would be able to span borders, both city and state, which would enable the sort of vast regional infrastructure projects that emerging megacities and megaregions require.
FULL STORY: Infrastructure Bank Proposal: Ignore At Our Peril
The Rise of the Megaregion
A new book outlines the benefits of public investment at the regional scale.
Pressing Pause on Development in the Shadow of Austin's Growth
The Dripping Springs City Council points to inadequate wastewater infrastructure and the need to update its comprehensive plan as reasons for the city's development moratorium.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie