This pro-rail article argues high speed rail corridors are at least potentially profitable but long distance trains are inevitable losers.
"The train, part of Amtrak's New York to New Orleans run, makes the Atlanta-Birmingham trip in a leisurely three hours. Driving the 150 miles between the two cities takes half an hour less.In the U.S., such a situation is typical when it comes to traveling by rail. But the era of the slow train could be nearing its end. Spurred on by frustrated business leaders, state governments around the country are developing big-ticket plans for high-speed rail, and Congress looks likely to play ball... The SEA plan would also split the train system into two areas. The infrastructure (tracks, signals and so on) would be built and subsidized by the government. Operation of the trains would be handed off to the private sector. The group argues that such a model has 'strong potential for operating profit.'"
Thanks to J Howard Harding
FULL STORY: Transportation Transformation

Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.

US Senate Reverses California EV Mandate
The state planned to phase out the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035, a goal some carmakers deemed impossible to meet.

Trump Cuts Decimate Mapping Agency
The National Geodetic Survey maintains and updates critical spatial reference systems used extensively in both the public and private sectors.

Washington Passes First US ‘Shared Streets’ Law
Cities will be allowed to lower speed limits to 10 miles per hour and prioritize pedestrians on certain streets.
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.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions