In an opinion piece for Politico, three Washington insiders propose several principles along which the United States should re-imagine its infrastructure in order to provide the means for future prosperity.
Rather than focusing on repairing legacy systems that have outlived their usefulness, retired senator Byron Dorgan, retired General Jim Jones, and Mark Gerencser, managing partner of Booz Allen Hamilton, propose that the country would be better served by envisioning and building infrastructure to serve the needs of a 21st century economy.
Among their key principles along which to develop such systems:
- "Think innovation, not shovels. We won't solve our problems with repairs or extensions. America must re-imagine its infrastructure to meet the needs of its citizens in a future that abounds with opportunities and competitive challenges."
- "Plan regionally, think holistically. We need regional plans. But there is no consistent form of regional governance to plan or implement actions. "Megaregions" present real promise."
- "Build for the next century. Align incentives with objectives. Financiers, builders, owners, operators and users face perverse incentives. For example, users have the least say in infrastructure design, while those who pay for it often realize the least benefits. Adjust the incentives for the various stakeholders - and place users at the center of all designs."
FULL STORY: Re-imagining U.S. infrastructure
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