The Wall Street Journal builds a case that a slow down in state and local infrastructure investments is having a broad impact on the national economy.
"A sharp pullback in spending by cities and states on infrastructure—from highways to sewage systems to police stations—is weighing on U.S. economic growth," according to an article by Eric Morath and Ben Leubsdorf.
"Such government austerity is unusual in the eighth year of an economic expansion, and it is acting as a headwind just as the worst effects of the energy-industry bust, a strong dollar and inventory drawdown are fading," add Morath and Leubsdorf.
The article cites analysis from S&P Global Ratings and the Pew Charitable Trusts in addition to new data from the Commerce Department to build its case. In total, "[s]tate and local governments spent an annualized $248.47 billion on construction in August—the least since March 2014 and down nearly 11% from its recent peak in mid-2015."
The article identifies declining state tax revenues as the cause of the reduced spending. Declining revenues restrain the ability of state and local governments to borrow money for capital projects, according to the article. The article also examines the political landscape regarding infrastructure, which was once an area of government that found bipartisan support.
[The article might be behind a paywall for some readers.]
FULL STORY: Slowdown in State, Local Investment Dents U.S. Economy
Poised for a New Era of Parks Planning in Bellevue, Washington
The last round of capital investment made possible by a 2008 parks levy offers a chance to look further into the future in Bellevue, Washington.
Monorail Doesn't Measure Up for Los Angeles, Says Editorial Board
The editorial board of the Los Angeles Times is unimpressed by a plan to build a monorail between the Westside and the San Fernando Valley in the city of Los Angeles.
Massive Empire Station Complex Project to Revamp Penn Station Area Moves Forward
The proposed Empire Station Complex project would link an upgraded Penn Station, the newly opened Moynihan Train Hall, and a tentative new terminal one block south of Penn Station.
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.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Adaptive Reuse Will Create Housing in a Suburban Texas Strip Mall
A developer is reimagining a strip mall property as a mixed-use complex with housing and retail.
Study: Anti-Homelessness Laws Don’t Work
Research shows that punitive measures that criminalized unhoused people don’t help reduce homelessness.
In U.S., Urban Gondolas Face Uphill Battle
Cities in Latin America and Europe have embraced aerial transitways — AKA gondolas — as sustainable, convenient urban transport, especially in tricky geographies. American cities have yet to catch up.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont