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.
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.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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