Mayors across the country are facing the possible loss of federal Community Development Block Grants, which could pull many local projects aimed at helping low-income residents to a halt.
"Such a move could slow down or even eliminate thousands of local and state projects, according to groups such as the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, which was hosting its annual winter meeting in Washington last week.
Groups representing local governments say they believe the program may face a 25 percent cut - about $1 billion - in the president's FY 2012 budget, which will be released next month. Meanwhile, some Republicans have proposed cutting the program altogether. Neither bodes well for a program that funds everything from affordable housing to childcare to economic development."
Mayors are calling on congressional leaders to oppose cuts to the program.
FULL STORY: Mayors Fight to Save Block Grant Funding

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
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