The House is working to amend its transportation bill, but what takes its place is far from certain. Burgess Everett reports on speculation that the GOP is aiming to shorten the length to two years, and make a host of other changes.
However, even the shortened time frame is uncertain now as Transportation Committee Chair John Mica appears to be having second thoughts. There is one certainty though: the current extension expires March 31.
According to Everett, "Last week's announcement from House GOP leaders that they've given up on a five-year bill and are working on a "revamped" measure that may match the Senate's two-year bill is just the latest twist localities are getting used to after eight transportation policy extensions that have hamstrung large projects across the country."
"We have no idea whether [the bills] are going to be short or long. We're telling the states [to prepare] for probably a series of stopgap funding bills," said Barbara Harsha, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association. "We've been in this position before. I would say it's actually sort of worse."
Meanwhile, Ashley Halsey III is reporting that in an effort to revive the stalled bill, GOP leadership will, "broker a tricky deal to appease friends and foes of mass transit." Mica, in comments to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and to Halsey, says that Mass Transit proponents erred advocating continued reliance on revenue from the beleaguered Highway Trust Fund.
"They've caused more problems, sort of shooting themselves in the foot," Mica said in the interview. "Why would you want to be part of something that is already hemorrhaging, which is the trust fund?"
Thanks to Association of American RRs: SmartBrief
FULL STORY: Long-term transportation bill faces detours

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