Could L.A.'s ambitious transit expansion plans become a victim of Congressional budget battles? The extension of the city's subway and downtown Regional Connector are among the projects funded by the Senate but neglected by the House.
"Sure, the budget battles could shut down the federal government. But they also could have consequences for an extension of L.A.'s subway, California's bullet train and efforts to reduce helicopter noise," reports Richard Simon. "Those are among the lower-profile but still vital issues at stake in Congress' spending fight."
"Los Angeles officials are hoping that a stopgap spending bill that Congress must approve in September to avert a government shutdown Oct. 1 will include funding for the projects," he adds. "But in today's political climate, there are no sure bets in Washington. Last year, Obama included money in his proposed budget for the projects, but Congress, engaged in a similar budget fight, provided nothing."
FULL STORY: California transit projects at stake in Washington budget battles
$2.1 Billion in Federal Transit Funding for the 'Subway to the Sea' in Los Angeles
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Texas, California Rail Projects Seek Out Private Funding
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Los Angeles Transit Ridership Grew in 2023
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
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The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
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.
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.
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