Bruce Katz has an idea: "A year out from next year’s presidential election, let’s dispel the pervasive myth that the federal government runs the country."
According to Bruce Katz, partisan gridlock are forcing state and local governments into new, more powerful roles in setting policy for the country. Katz cites infrastructure and education, two failing responsibilities, in many respects, that will likely be improved by political powers not located in Washington, D.C. As an example of local governments achieving innovative success in the area of infrastructure, Katz credits Denver, San Diego, and Dallas for "making economy-shaping investments in infrastructure and public space through innovative partnerships and funding mechanisms."
Katz notes other sectors—namely telecommunications, clean energy, and public health—where the federal role in funding and finance is also limited before laying out a new "federalist roadmap" that allows the cities a more prominent role in the governance of the country.
After positing three characteristics of the new federalist roadmap, Katz makes this concluding appeal:
"We are at a cross roads. Neither the mid-20th century model of 'made in Washington' nor the late 20th century model of 'get it out of Washington' serve the country well. We need a reliable federal partner and a federalism that reflects how the country actually operates. Presidential candidates, are you listening? "
FULL STORY: Toward a city-led federalism
Canada Is Looking Better and Better
Alan Mallach unpacks a remarkable project currently underway in Toronto, suggesting that sometimes higher, rather than lower, density may be the best way to go.
A New Federalism Needed to Support America's Modern Metropolitan-Oriented Economy
In an essay adapted from their new book, Jennifer Bradley and Bruce Katz examine America's traditional 'dual sovereignty' federalism. They argue that metropolitan areas should play a greater role in governance through a collaborative federalism.
States Take Action on Foreclosures While Federal Government Stumbles
Without a clear federal plan to counteract the swath of foreclosures sweeping across the country, state governments are finding ways to reduce the local impacts.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie