Congressman Earl Blumenauer of Portland, Oregon and LA County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky discuss the recently signed federal transportation bill, whether it's a sound policy, and how it may impact local government and transportation initiatives.
On July 6th President Obama signed into law MAP-21, authorizing and appropriating federal transportation funding through September 2014, and ending years of extensions and political finger-pointing. The Planning Report conducted a joint interview with Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR 3rd District, Member House Budget Committee) and Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky (and Metro Boardmember) to assess the legislation's implications for transportation investment nationally and regionally. Both elected representatives thoughtfully assess the Bill's provisions and offer insights into the policy choices made and yet to be made.
While MAP-21 has been hailed as a bipartisan success, Congressman Blumenauer points out that transportation advocates should be disappointed on many levels. Both politicians note that significant transportation efforts are being made today at the local level, despite Washington's inability and unwillingness to partner.
Thanks to Kevin Madden
FULL STORY: Congressman Blumenauer and Supervisor Yaroslavsky Assess Recently Signed Federal Transportation Bill MAP-21

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

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)