The "Inequality Chronicles," now in their third installment by Places Journal, are essential reading.
Alec MacGillis's article examines how public investment "and disinvestment" in public transit "figured greatly in the persistence of racial and economic inequality" in Baltimore.
The article begins with the riot of April 27, 2015, exacerbated by a decision to shutdown of public transportation after the memorial service for Freddie Gray had concluded. The remainder of the article traces a history that begins with Reconstruction, following the Civil War, through the Great Migration, into Baltimore's unique pattern of white flight, which spanned either side of World War II, and into the transit and transportation planning decisions of recent decades.
Supplemental reading for the recent transit planning decisions can be found in an editorial published by the Baltimore Sun earlier this week, which calls for a transformative investment in public transit.
Earlier installments of the "Inequality Chronicles" covered Memphis and Houston.
FULL STORY: The Third Rail
Light Rail It Is for Baltimore’s Red Line Project
The decision to go with light rail over bus rapid transit will be more expensive and take longer to complete, but proponents say it’s an investment in Baltimore’s economic future.
Maryland Could Cut Transit Funding, Citing Budget Gap
The governor says the state remains committed to its major transit projects, but may need to reduce service to meet a growing financial shortfall.
Maryland to Restart Planning for East-West Transit Line Through Baltimore
A plan for the Red Line, an east-west light rail line notoriously canceled by former-Governor Larry Hogan in 2015, is back on the table in Baltimore.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)