A recent report out of the state of Michigan lays the groundwork for a coordinated approach to the state's infamous infrastructure challenges.
"Michigan must spend an additional $4 billion a year on infrastructure," reports John Wisely from the findings of a report commissioned by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder.
"The report by the 21st Century Infrastructure Commission urges a unified approach to planning, including the creation of a statewide database of assets such as roads, bridges, sewers, water mains, fiber-optic cables and energy supply lines," explains Wisely. "That way, for example, a road project could be coordinated with sewer and gas main replacement, ensuring the road would be torn up only once, and the costs could be shared by all agencies doing work there."
As for how the $4 billion price tag might be funded, the report mentions options at the federal, state, and local level, as well user fees and bond financing.
FULL STORY: Snyder panel makes case for $4B in infrastructure funding
In Chicago: Faster Trains, Faster Trips
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has eliminated 20 miles of slow zones since 2011.
How Does an Economic Downturn Impact City Infrastructure?
From budget cuts to delayed maintenance projects, cities adapt, prioritize, and innovate amidst financial challenges to ensure sustainable and resilient urban environments.
How the Discount Rate Impacts Future Generations
A wonky policy tool can have significant effects on how public and private money is spent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
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)