Now that the dozens of repeal votes, budget battles, and court cases have failed to prevent the launch of the Affordable Care Act, we can turn our attention to its potential impacts. For cities and urban space, the Act's effects could be significant.
Drew Reed speculates on some of the ways in which the Affordable Care Act could influence the design and operation of America's cities.
"In terms of its direct effect on urban space, the most concrete effect it may have is changes to hospital construction. Since the 2008 economic crash, hospital construction has dropped significantly. As Planetzien [sic] notes, hospitals had been fleeing poor neighbourhoods even before the crisis, since poor people are less likely to have insurance."
"Obamacare would also have important effects on city budgeting," he continues. "Currently, several large US cities, most notably Detroit, are bankrupt. As Business Insider notes, the Obamacare plan provides them with a way to cover their public employee pension costs, freeing them up to get out of bankruptcy, and hopefully be able to make local investments to change the cityscape for the better."
FULL STORY: How Will Obamacare Affect Cities and Urban Space in the United States?
Census Reveals the States Where the Affordable Care Act Has Insured the Most Residents
If the goal of the Affordable Care Act is to reduce the percentage of Americans without health insurance, new Census data shows it's doing just that. Americans without health insurance fell by three percent last year, or 8.8 million people.
Study: Income Inequality Lowers Life Expectancy
Research suggests a correlation between regional income inequality and poorer health. Several statistical and sociological causes may come into play.
How will the Physical Urban Environment be Affected by Obamacare?
Los Angeles County planner Clement Lau discusses what the Affordable Care Act means for hospital construction, design, and expansion.
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
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
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.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie