With two transit-friendly figures elected to the highest posts in San Diego's government and transit advocates having scored a major court victory in upending the region's transportation plan, the city's transit future is looking bright.
It's no small feat to declare a sunny future for transit in auto-centric San Diego, but recent developments - including the court victory over the San Diego Association of Government's 40-year transportation plan [which gave short shrift to transit] and the ascension of transit-friendly Mayor Bob Filner and City Council President Todd Gloria - have put smiles on the faces of local advocates, reports Andrew Keatts. "It does all kind of point to the end of the world when things are this good," said Marco Gonzalez, an attorney at Coast Law Group who was one of the attorneys fighting Sandag's transportation proposal."
"Now," says Keatts, "he and others who'd like to see transit play a bigger role in the traditionally sprawling San Diego region are hoping this latest series of wins can actually move the needle."
The next step in the transportation plan saga could set the stage for such a transformation. A revised plan could include moving transit investment forward in the plan's timeline or expanding transit investments in San Diego's urban core.
"From our side, we have always looked for stronger leadership on transit and transit-oriented communities," Gonzalez said. "For the first time, we feel like we might have that type of leadership in the mayor's office."
Read the full story: Public Transit Is Having a Moment
San Diego Regional Transportation Plan Shifts Away From Big Projects to Focus on Improving Existing Infrastructure
SANDAG’s 2025 Regional Plan scales down plans for new rail lines in favor of expanding rapid bus service.
San Diego Region Developing Long-Range Transportation Plan
The new plan, set to take effect in 2025, accounts for changes in mobility patterns brought on by remote work.
San Diego Housing Programs Awarded $4.8 Million
The new funding will support city projects aimed at streamlining the process for building affordable housing and transit-oriented development.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades
The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.
'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide
Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.
Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies
International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello