Georgia's experience emerging from the recession as revenues increase after years of government belt tightening is common around the country. The question now: How to finance the improvements to the state's neglected transportation infrastructure?
"As the General Assembly gears up for 2015 legislative session, transportation appears to once again be the star of the show," according to a column by Saba Long.
Long addresses the talking points of opponents to increasing the gas tax in the state, namely "the government is too bloated" and "I am paying too much in taxes." In response to the idea of raising the gas tax, Long suggests that "we ought to consider other options as well; particularly considering strong support for pro-autonomous vehicles will lead to a potential boom for Georgia’s already popular electric vehicle market." Lucas adds that Oregon could provide a model for Georgia's future revenue streams: "Georgia, too, could pursue a pilot to deem the merits of VMT, rather than going for a knee-jerk 'no.'"
FULL STORY: Despite anti-tax push-back, Georgia needs more money for transportation

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).

DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.

DC, Columbus Bike Share Fleets Introduce Cargo Bikes
Shared mobility is ‘growing up,’ with rental options increasingly expanding to include e-bikes, scooters, and cargo bikes.

Five Key Transportation Funding Proposals in Trump’s Budget
The President’s proposed 2026 budget would keep spending roughly the same for transit and rail and eliminate over $5 billion in funding for EV charging infrastructure.

LA County Creating Action Plan to Tackle Extreme Heat
Los Angeles County is creating a Heat Action Plan to help communities stay safe during extreme heat, with steps like adding more shade, improving buildings, and supporting the neighborhoods most at risk.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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City of Charlotte
Municipality of Princeton
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
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Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)