In November, Pennsylvania approved the state's comprehensive transportation funding plan, also known as Act 89. The plan will spend $2.3 billion over five years, and has provided a productive signal to regional and local transportation planning.
"For the first time in at least six years, the Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) does not have an 'illustrative unfunded list.' Instead, thanks to the passage of Act 89, the recent state transportation funding legislation, the region will see an additional $1.2 billion for transportation improvements over the next four years," reports Christine Fisher.
The TIP "lists all transportation projects in DVRPC’s five-county Pennsylvania region that will receive federal funding over the next four years and all state capital improvement projects. For projects to advance, they must be included in the TIP."
In effect, the funding made available by Act 89 clears the way for the state to begin to clear the backlog. "This means long awaited projects like SEPTA’s City Hall/15th Street Station improvement will be able to move forward."
The new funding scenario has also compelled the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission to complete an amendment updated of its long-range plan, completed last year.
FULL STORY: Act 89 improves fate of transit projects banished to the "unfunded list"
Opinion: Philly's Regional Transit Needs More Funding
The region's planning commission is pouring billions into highway widening projects while neglecting its public transit needs.
Arguing for Philly's Viaduct Rail Park Provide as a Mobility Solution
The High Line is a famous example of urban revitalization, but a useful commuter path it is not. Can a similar proposal in Philadelphia offer the benefits of beautification and mobility?
750-Mile Trail Network Near Philadelphia Receives $8.6 Million Gift
The William Penn Foundation has awarded $8.6 million in support for The Circuit—a planned regional network of bicycle and pedestrian trails for greater Philadelphia.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie