Los Angeles area officials are discussing options for placing a new transportation funding measure before voters. A similar effort in 2012 failed to pass the necessary 67 percent threshold by less than 16,000 votes (out of nearly 2 million cast).
Officials with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority are considering two options for raising revenues in order to "help expand the region's fledgling rail network, improve complementary service on bus lines, and speed construction and repairs on rail lines and highways," reports Laura J. Nelson. One option would raise the county's sales tax rate by half a cent; the other would extend the sales tax increase approved by voters in 2008 beyond its 2039 expiration date.
"Still at issue is whether the measure will go to the ballot in 2014 or 2016," notes Nelson, "but Metro planning staff members prefer not to rush. Some are concerned that the measure could compete with a $3-billion street repair bond proposed by two Los Angeles City Council members, which could go to voters in 2014."
FULL STORY: L.A. County transit officials plan to put sales tax measure on ballot

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