Mayor Rahm Emanuel is looking for ways to raise local funds to help secure the federal funds necessary for the CTA's Red-Purple Bypass Project.

"Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel plans to propose a special taxing district to secure $600 million in federal loans to pay for the CTA's massive Red-Purple Line modernization project, which includes a controversial flyover north of the Belmont station," reports Mary Wisniewski. The special taxing district would make use of recently approved legislation allowing the creation of new tax increment financing districts.
The necessary funding for the project remains a significant hurdle for the project. "The first phase of the project costs $2.1 billion," according to Wisniewski, but "the CTA can access $1.1 billion in federal funds if it can find a local match for the remainder." Hence the proposed tax increment financing district.
The Red-Purple Bypass project was first pitched in April 2014 as a way to unclog a mid-North Side rail junction of hundreds of Red, Brown and Purple line trains every day. Since then, the project has also received its fair share of criticism.

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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