Detroit's M-1 Rail, under construction since 2014, has bumped back its project delivery date. Blame for the delay is assigned to weather, streetcar delivery delays, and the roll out of a federal transportation law from 2012.
"A year after construction began on the M-1 Rail transit line, officials say passenger service should begin in spring 2017 rather than late 2016 as initially predicted with more time needed to work through updated federal safety regulations," reports John Gallagher.
Interestingly, the delay is partly blamed on the roll out of MAP-21, the 2012 law that added new regulations to process of testing and certifying the 3.3-mile streetcar route.
Paul Childs, chief operating officer for M-1 Rail, is quoted in the article: "MAP-21 is now just being implemented throughout the whole transit area….It's going to be a learning experience. We think we have a sense of it, but it's new and it's the government."
FULL STORY: M-1 Rail start-up delayed until early 2017

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.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont