APA's bi-weekly update on legislative and public policy issues of interest to planners and communities.
This issue features: Brownfields bill set for final passage; Farm bill holds promise for planners and Smart Growth; and Heritage Area bills attract house ttention. " Most observers feared that brownfields legislation was once again doomed to legislative limbo. After the Senate approved a consensus compromise bill, S. 350, by a 99-0 vote, action in the House had stalled over provisions regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys ability to reassert authority over state-certified brownfield sites. But, intervention by the Bush Administration and House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) late last week led to an unexpected agreement to push the Senate version to an expedited floor vote this week."
Thanks to Jason Jordan
FULL STORY: From Washington...
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.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie