A streak of landmark years for public transit in Sun Belt cities from the West Coast to the Florida Panhandle will continue in 2016.
Andrew Keets provides a snapshot of the Sun Belt cities expecting major transit upgrades in 2016. Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, El Paso, Dallas, New Orleans, Jacksonville, and Orlando make the list, with projects ranging in size and scope. Here's a list to preview the projects described in more detail in the post:
- Los Angeles: Expo Line and Foothill Gold Line extensions open for service.
- San Diego: Mid-Coast Trolley begins construction.
- Phoenix: Three-mile light rail extension along 19th Avenue opens for service.
- El Paso: A second Brio BRT route opens for service.
- Dallas: Blue Line extension with two new stations opens.
- New Orleans: Expanded legacy streetcar system opens.
- Jacksonville: New leg of the First Coast Flyer BRT system opens.
- Orlando: SunRail commuter rail extensions begin construction.
FULL STORY: What 2016 Will Look Like for Transit in the Sun Belt
Inland Empire Cities Cry Foul on Light Rail Funding
Cities in San Bernardino County are questioning California state funding processes that failed to allocate any state dollars to an inland rail extension, opting instead to fund more ‘splashy’ L.A.-area projects.
Blue Line Extension North of Minneapolis in Jeopardy
A planned extension of the Metro Blue Line north from Minneapolis depended on eight miles of BNSF track.
L.A. Metro Will Spend $81.5 Million to Improve Blue Line to Long Beach
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) appears to be taking a break from its perpetual expansion projects to make some improvements to the heavily used but aging Blue Line.
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.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie