With a vote last week by the Minneapolis City Council, the final local consent was granted the proposed Southwest light rail project. Despite that benchmark political action, the project will not be without challenges moving forward.
"The last local approval needed for the Southwest light rail project fell into place Friday morning [August 29] with a vote from the Minneapolis City Council," reports Eric Roper.
"The $1.6 billion line, expected to open in 2019, would run from Eden Prairie to downtown Minneapolis. Click here to take a ground-level tour of the Minneapolis stops. Half of the funding is expected to come from the federal government." Roper coverage also provides more insight into the discussion and politics that surrounded the city council's vote.
In a separate article, Peter Callaghan reports on the next steps for the light rail and the region's cities as it prepares for the new project, including the realistic threat of lawsuits and the next steps in project engineering and funding. On that latter issue, "the project will submit its application for funding through the Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts program" next year.
FULL STORY: Minneapolis provides final local consent for Southwest light rail
Minneapolis LRT Facing Delays, Cost Increases
Construction on the Kenilworth Tunnel has been plagued by problems and threatens the foundation of a nearby condo complex.
Contractors in Limbo While Southwest LRT Waits for Federal Funding Promise
More evidence that the Federal Transit Administration under the Trump Administration isn't interested in capital investments.
Barrier Wall Could Delay Southwest Light Rail in Twin Cities
A proposed 1.4 mile safety barrier may require additional review, and could further delay the project
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design
Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.
Amtrak Breaks Ridership Record in FY 2024
More Americans than ever rode the rails last year, also bringing the agency its highest ticket revenue.
Commentary: Colorado Will Forge Ahead With Conservation Work
While federal policy may become less friendly to environmental efforts, support from state legislators and agencies can prevent the state from backsliding.
Expanding the Mission: Community Groups Serving Schools
Some community development organizations have added education to their traditional focus on housing and economic development, looking for ways to support families and children by partnering with local school districts. How is it working?
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Caltrans
Los Alamos County
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners