While Canada’s most populous province continues its heated transit funding debate, Premier Kathleen Wynne recently suggested green bonds as a potential revenue tool. Don Curren sheds light on the bonds and how they might get transit projects rolling.
“When Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said Wednesday the province might issue ‘green bonds’ to help fund transit projects, she set the stage for Canada’s most populous province to do some trail blazing,” writes Don Curren.
“Green bonds,” he continues, “are similar to other bonds in that they’re debt instruments which issuers sell to investors in return for interest over the life of the bond and return of principal by the time the bond matures.”
“What makes green bonds different is that the issuer, whether it’s a government body or a private-sector corporation, guarantees the funds raised through the offering are dedicated to a specific project or initiative that’s positive for the environment.”
FULL STORY: Ontario “Green Bonds” Could Spur Growth in Fledgling Market

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)