Transportation is increasingly a major civil rights issue, according to The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, which argues that federal funding disproportionally serves car drivers.
The group has issued a new report on the subject titled "Where We Need to Go: A Civil Rights Roadmap for Transportation Equity."
"The way the conference sees it, access to transportation is key to connecting the poor, seniors and those with disabilities to jobs, schools, health care and other resources. It is essential to widening opportunities for all. Many of us take our mobility for granted, but getting around can be a real challenge for millions of Americans.
This is a key issue as Congress considers the surface transportation reauthorization bill, which essentially maps out federal transportation spending and priorities for the next six years.
"Smart and equitable transportation systems connect us to jobs, schools, housing, health care services - and even to grocery stores and nutritious food," Wade Henderson, president and CEO of the conference, said in testimony presented to the House Highways and Transit Subcommittee. "But millions of low-income and working-class people, people of color and people with disabilities live in communities where quality transportation options are unaffordable, unreliable, or nonexistent.""
FULL STORY: Transportation as a Civil Rights Issue
Where 2024 Presidential Candidates Stand on 12 Issues Important to Urban Planners
Whether you’re yet undecided or have already cast your early vote, here is a roundup of the key positions of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on important urban planning policies.
Amtrak Expanding Service in California’s Central Valley
Amtrak is planning a major expansion to the passenger rail lines connecting the Central Valley and the Bay Area.
Commentary: How Can We Solve America’s Affordable Housing Crisis? CDFIs are the Key
As financial institutions whose mission is to support underserved communities, community development financial institutions can be key partners to ensure public-private efforts to build affordable housing pencil out.
How Courtyard Apartments Make Cities More Family-Friendly
Apartment buildings with interior courtyards can offer safe, affordable, and functional spaces for urban households with children.
Addressing Orphan Wells for Environmental Justice
Remediating and repurposing some orphan oil and gas wells into parks can turn environmental hazards into community assets, promoting health, environmental justice, and accessible green space for underserved areas.
Biden Administration Moves to Protect Alaskan Refuge From Drilling
The administration is taking quick action to cement some of Biden’s key environmental accomplishments before the new Trump administration takes the reins.
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.
University of Southern California
City of Meridian
University of Calgary
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
Detroit Regional Partnership
San Joaquin LAFCo
City of South Portland