In Dallas poorer people often rely on transit, a familiar pattern throughout the United States. But when car ownership grants access to opportunity, this can be a problem.

In car-friendly Dallas, poverty often means lack of access to the dominant form of transportation. Brandon Formby reports on the conditions people like Artis Frnak face daily. From the article: "A car could provide faster access to a better job, but loan payments, maintenance and insurance would eat away at salary gains. So it makes more financial sense to Frank to live near a DART bus line and find work close to public transit."
"That's how life goes along the poverty line in car-centric cities like Dallas, whose 20th-century growth birthed highways that became developmental skeletons for suburbs where the middle class have fled for decades. Left behind is an urban core with housing and socioeconomic problems — and infrastructure built for cars that many poor people can't afford."
For many poor city-dwellers, a car is prerequisite to advancement. "[Resident] Gaddis' car isn't about getting around quicker in the life she has, though. It's about improving her job prospects. She plans to enroll at Remington College in Garland so she can be a medical assistant. Using public transit to juggle education, child care and work would be too cumbersome."
The city's Neighborhoods Plus development report [pdf] outlines its current efforts to address these disparities. The Neighborhoods Plus plan will approach transit planning by gathering data on individual area needs. The goal is to make multiple mobility options available to residents.
FULL STORY: Stemming poverty in Dallas requires rethinking mobility

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).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

Supporting Cycling Takes More Than Just Bike Lanes
Safe, protected bike lanes are a key part of a city’s bike infrastructure — but secure parking, e-bike charging, and other amenities can also influence people’s shift to cycling.

Judge Blocks Anti-DEI Rules for Transportation, Housing Grants
A second injunction blocks the Trump administration from enforcing new regulations for federal funding.

Unhoused People in San Jose Could Face Arrest if They Refuse Shelter
A policy proposed by the city’s mayor would give law enforcement the option to arrest homeless residents if they refuse three offers of housing.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)