The Michigan legislature compromised on a plan to raise money for state transportation funding. Instead of increasing the fuel tax, voters will consider an increased sales tax that exempts the fuel tax.
"Michigan lawmakers, working through the night, have approved plans for a statewide ballot proposal that could yield $1.2 billion a year in new funding for roads and bridges," reports Jonathan Oosting.
"The cornerstone of the package, a proposed constitutional amendment to increase the state sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent, passed the House in a 94-16 vote. It initially stalled in the Senate but was successful in a second vote, 26-12."
The example of Michigan was recently the focus of recent coverage by NPR of Republican governors exploring new taxes to fund transportation to fill the void left by the federal government. The vote by the Michigan legislature culminated a political process once thought to be a long shot.
The approved legislation includes one key change from earlier discussions of the tax, when Governor Rick Snyder was pushing for the state to increate the fuel tax. However, according to Oosting's coverage, "[the] ballot proposal would also exempt motor fuel from the sales tax…"
FULL STORY: Michigan lawmakers approve road funding deal, send tax proposal to statewide ballot

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?

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.

Car Designs Make it Harder to See Pedestrians
Blind spots created by thicker pillars built to withstand rollover crashes are creating dangerous conditions for people outside 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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie