With federal support from the Obama Administration's LadderSTEP program now secured, Indianapolis' $1.2 billion proposal for mass transit upgrades has new momentum.
"Central Indiana's bus rapid transit plan appears to be gliding toward reality," reports John Tuohy, "with a boost Thursday from the nation's transportation head and plans to apply for a $50 million construction grant."
Indianapolis is already well underway with planning for the Red Line—the first leg of the proposed system. Tuohy provides details:
"The Red Line is a proposed 28-mile, $100 million electric bus route from Westfield to Greenwood with several dedicated lanes and raised platforms. Nearly 170,000 people work within a half-mile of the route, and tens of thousands more live close to it, many in low-income neighborhoods."
Additionally, reports Tuohy:
"The Red Line would be one of five crisscrossing the city in the $1.2 billion system — called Indy Connect — and it's anticipated that they would prompt development nearby."
Tuohy's coverage was prompted by a visit from U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, who rode one of the system's electric buses along part of the proposed Red Line route, joined by Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, who has been pushing for the Indy Connect investment for years.
Secretary Foxx also announced that the Red Line would participate as one of seven pilot cities in the LadderSTEP program, which enlists the help of non-profit organizations for planning and development support. The non-profits that will assist the Red Line are as follows: LOCUS, the Urban Land Institute, Enterprise Community Partners, the natural Resources Defense Council, and the Local Initiatives Support Group.
FULL STORY: Indy's rapid transit plan moving fast

Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units
Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

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

Bicycles and Books — In Sacramento, Libraries Now Offer Both
Adult library card holders can check out e-bikes and e-trikes for up to one week.

Colorado Landfills Emit as Much Pollution as 1M Cars
Landfills are the third-largest source of methane pollution in Colorado, after agriculture and fossil fuel extraction.

Tulsa Paid Remote Workers $10,000 to Move In — Nearly All of Them Stayed
The Tulsa Remote program generated more than $4 in local economic benefits for every dollar spent.
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.
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada