From train cars to buses, a new study finds that buying American adds cost.

The think tank American Action Forum (AAF) released a study that finds that transit costs for commuters and governments are being elevated by policies that require agencies to buy American. "Washington’s beleaguered Metrorail system, according to the study, could have saved $700,000 on each of its 7000-series rail cars if it was able to purchase new cars at the price they cost overseas," reports Melania Zanona for The Hill. The AAF study may also have consequences for GOP proposed infrastructure legislation.
AAF concede that buying American is one of many factors effecting the costs of American rail and transit system, but they say current policies are driving up costs. For example: "Rolling stock, which includes buses, vans and railcars, must have 60 percent of its components from American sources under current federal requirements," Zanona reports.
FULL STORY: Study: ‘Buy America’ rules raising costs for US transit systems

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.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

Florida Seniors Face Rising Homelessness Risk
High housing costs are pushing more seniors, many of them on a fixed income, into homelessness.

Massachusetts Budget Helps Close MBTA Budget Gap
The budget signed by Gov. Maura Healey includes $470 million in MBTA funding for the next fiscal year.

Milwaukee Launches Vision Zero Plan
Seven years after the city signed its Complete Streets Policy, the city is doubling down on its efforts to eliminate traffic deaths.
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
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