Mayors Bill de Blasio of New York and Mick Cornett of Oklahoma City say federal dollars are the only way to restore crumbling infrastructure. China and Europe are investing heavily, while U.S. rates are at a 20-year low.
Rates of federal transportation spending have long been on a downward trajectory. This week's Amtrak fatalities, whatever their root cause, highlight a troubling fact: "Spending on infrastructure in the United States has sunk to 1.7 percent of gross domestic product, a 20-year low."
Cornett and de Blasio say a failure to invest puts America further and further behind. "The Department of Transportation estimates that by 2030, it will cost $84 billion to $105 billion a year just to keep the highway, bridge and transit systems in good repair, and up to $170 billion a year to improve conditions and performance. Meanwhile, the rest of the world races ahead. Europe spends 5 percent of G.D.P. on infrastructure, and China 9 percent."
The mayors, speaking on behalf of a bipartisan coalition of their peers, conclude by "calling on Congress to pass a six-year transportation authorization measure that significantly increases investments from the current level of $50 billion a year."
FULL STORY: Let Our Cities Move
Agreement Keeps NYC Congestion Pricing Alive Through Summer
The tolling program will continue while a court considers the city’s lawsuit against the Trump administration.
Boston-to-New York High-Speed Rail Project Hopes for Federal Support
If completed, the North Atlantic Rail project could transform New England's transportation landscape.
Design Collective Using Black-Centered Approaches to Transform Cities
BlackSpace seeks to empower Black practitioners and change the way planning and design happens in and affects Black communities.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions