The addition of 50 new police cars, ramped up bus service, and long overdue streetlight repairs are all being planned as bankruptcy proceedings allow Detroit to increase funding for public services.
"In what emergency manager Kevyn Orr called just one significant example of improvements headed for the city’s basic public services, the Detroit Police Department will soon get 50 new squad cars, replacement bulletproof vests and two new devices Motor City cops have never had: electric stun guns and on-body video cameras," reports Matt Helms.
"Despite challenges, improved services are what Orr promises will be the upside of bankruptcy: Detroit’s debts are put on hold, freeing up cash while Orr leads what’s sure to be a monumental court fight to wrestle the city back to solvency. He’ll do battle with major banks and bondholders, city unions and pension and retiree groups to drastically cut Detroit’s debts and pension and health care liabilities in bankruptcy proceedings that could take years to conclude."
"On a parallel track, Orr’s team is focusing on restructuring how the city operates, cutting where needed and investing in public services such as police and fire that have been depleted as the city’s revenues plummeted and debts mounted in recent years."
FULL STORY: Detroit bankruptcy upside: City services will improve

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
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MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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