The Emanuel Administration has yet to secure needed funding for a big project to update Chicago's Union Station. Now it's up to the Trump Administration to supply a needed loan.
Greg Hinz reports: "Mayor Rahm Emanuel is getting ready for his first big ask from President-elect Donald Trump: a low-interest federal loan of up to $1 billion to modernize and expand Chicago's Union Station."
According to Hinz, Mayor Emanuel has been working hard to advocate for the project in Washington, D.C. The effort has also enlisted members of Congress from the state of Illinois, including Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and former Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., who "pushed legislation to ensure that the project would qualify for a Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing loan."
So far, however, the "President Barack Obama's Department of Transportation agreed only to sign an Emerging Projects Agreement under which 'Chicago can closely work with USDOT with the ultimate goal of seeking' the grant," reports Hinz.
If the term "Emerging Projects Agreement" (EmPA) seems unfamiliar, that's because it's only ever been granted one other project—the PATH tunnel project connecting New Jersey and New York under the Hudson River.
FULL STORY: Emanuel wants $1 billion from Trump for Union Station
Emanuel Campaign Announces Neighborhood-Level Infrastructure Plans
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, busy on the campaign trail for re-election this week, made a big push for infrastructure investments at the neighborhood level.
Chicago Bets on Buses
Yonah Freemark reports on Chicago's commitment of $7.3 million, supplementing $24.6 million in federal funds already in place, to improve bus service between Union Station and Navy Pier.
Trade War With China Impacts Transit Investments in Chicago
A 25 percent tariff on steel imports could eventually be passed to transit riders in the form of higher fares.
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.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service