Transportation Funding

Traffic in Manhattan New York

Congestion Pricing Details Emerge From MTA’s Environmental Assessment

After more than a decade of delays and reversals, congestion pricing is expected to take effect in Manhattan in late 2023 or early 2024.

August 12, 2022 - Gothamist

U.S> Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg delivers a speech in front of a bridge in Washington, D.C. The podium where he stands has a sign that reads: "Building a Better America."

$2.2 Billion in RAISE Grant Funding Announced for Transportation Projects

The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) competitive grant program, supersized by the federal infrastructure bill in 2021, just announced a new round of funding.

August 11, 2022 - U.S. Department Of Transportation

Washington State Ferry

'Move Ahead Washington' Launches a New Era of Transportation Planning in Washington State

Democrats in the Washington State Legislature won approval for a massive 16-year transportation package dubbed Move Ahead Washington.

March 15, 2022 - The Urbanist

Freeway Interchange Construction

Infrastructure Funding Could Lead to Higher Carbon Emissions

Billions in federal infrastructure funding slated to go to states with few strings attached could fund roadway construction and widening projects that will raise greenhouse gas emissions and worsen climate change.

February 13, 2022 - The New York Times

Highway Construction

How RAISE Grants Promote Car-Free Mobility

While there are many reasons to break away from automobile dominance, the RAISE grant program is the only federal effort fully reflecting a public transit and active transportation priorities.

December 1, 2021 - Bloomberg CityLab

Interstate 35 in Austin, Texas

Austin Leaders Denounce 20-Lane Freeway Project

TxDOT is pushing ahead with plans for a massive freeway expansion project through downtown Austin despite opposition from virtually all local leaders.

October 27, 2021 - Slate

Rural California Road

Report: Rural Communities Urgently Need Safer Transportation

Despite the reputation of rural America as "drive-through country," many residents depend on walking and transit to get around.

October 14, 2021 - Streetsblog USA

Houston Light Rail Transit

Houston Area Loses $64 Million in Federal Transportation Funds Due to Delays and Lack of Oversight

The funding was directed to congestion mitigation, air quality, and transportation alternatives projects.

October 5, 2021 - Houston Chronicle

A "Road Work Ahead" lies neglected on the ground next to a street in Boise, Idaho.

State Law Preempts Federal Transit Relief Funding in Idaho

Idaho state law prevents local voters from implementing the sales taxes that generate revenue to match federal funding for transportation projects, taking local and regional projects out of the running for many federal grant programs.

October 5, 2021 - Magic Valley

Intercity Buses

With Little Government Assistance, Intercity Bus Services Struggle to Regain Footing

Although intercity buses provide a crucial service to millions of Americans, the industry has been shut out of recent pandemic assistance programs while riders continue to experience dismal facilities and shrinking service options.

October 4, 2021 - Governing

Seattle Transit

Sound Transit To Receive $3.84 Billion in Federal Loans

The funding will support the financing of six projects, including the Downtown Redmond Link Extension.

September 23, 2021 - U.S. Department Of Transportation

Atlanta

Atlanta Business Group Unhappy With City's Inaction on Transportation Projects

The Midtown Alliance is urging the city to give more control to community improvement districts to speed up procurement or risk losing out on federal funding.

August 22, 2021 - Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Bus Lane New York City

Opinion: Federal Infrastructure Plan Must Prioritize Transit Investment

The Biden administration must combine increased funding with policies that mandate and encourage transit-oriented planning.

April 20, 2021 - Bloomberg CityLab

Biden administration

New RAISE Grant Program Replaces BUILD Grants at the U.S. Department of Transportation

The policy whiplash from the Obama administration to the Trump administration and now to the Biden administration continues.

April 14, 2021 - U.S. Department Of Transportation

Asphalt Road

Opinion: Washington State Should Stop Funding Freeways

The Urbanist's editorial board calls for an end to highway widening and an increased focus on walking, biking, and transit.

March 30, 2021 - The Urbanist

West Palm Beach, Florida

Deadline for Brightline Plan Comes With Strings Attached

Officials from Brightline recently signed an agreement that dictates terms for the study of an extension of the private rail system between Orlando and Tampa.

March 10, 2021 - Orlando Sentinel

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

PennDOT Proposes Bridge Tolls to Fund Critical Repairs

With gas tax revenues projected to fall this fiscal year due to the pandemic, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation argues it needs additional revenue to bridge its growing funding gap and repair crucial infrastructure.

March 2, 2021 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Washington State Ferry

Washington State Considering New Gas Tax, Transit and Bike Fees

The state legislature is weighing three proposals that seek to fund improvements to aging infrastructure and upgrade the state's transportation network.

February 26, 2021 - Seattle Times

2020 Presidential Campaign

Notes on the Buttigieg Confirmation Hearing

Takeaways from last week's Senate confirmation hearing for the nominee to be secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg.

February 2, 2021 - Transportation for America

New York City From New Jersey

Funding Approved for Key Rail Connection Between New Jersey and New York

The Portal Bridge is a key component of the larger Gateway Program that includes tunnels under the Hudson River. Fixing the Portal Bridge across the Hackensack River will provide tremendous relief to NJ Transit and Amtrak commuters.

December 10, 2020 - New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.