Virginia
Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Fees are Here to Stay, and Spreading
It may seem counter-intuitive to charge extra fees for the cleanest, most fuel-efficient vehicles on the road today - including those that qualify for a federal $7,500 credit. But ten states are doing just that to keep roads well-funded.
How the Best Laid Smart Growth Plans go to Waste
Since the 1990s, Maryland has been at the forefront of Smart Growth planning at the statewide level. However, a new study shows that the state's incentive-based approach may not be adequate for inducing the changes envisioned by planners.
Trend Watch: Swapping Gasoline Excise Taxes for Wholesale Sales Taxes
The D.C. Council is going the way of neighbors Virginia and Maryland by approving new wholesale sales taxes on gasoline and diesel. In it's budget approved on May 22, the council swapped the current 23.5-cent excise tax for a new 8.3% fuel tax.
New Jersey Drops VMT Fee for EV Fee
NJ legislation highlights the need to ensure that those who drive EVs pay their fair share of taxes to keep roads in good repair. A bill that would have charged a mileage fee for all vehicles was scrapped for a $50 flat registration fee for EVs.
The Ups and Downs of the Bike Sharing Economy
What makes Capital Bikeshare, the largest such program in the U.S. with nearly 2000 bikes, a success? What are its shortcomings? Mohana Ravindranath investigates.
Gas Tax Debate: USA Today vs. Rep. Earl Blumenauer
The USA Today editorial board argues that increasing the gas tax is the best way for states to fund transportation while Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) extolls Oregon's VMT fee pilot project, which the editors calls complex and bureaucratic.
D.C. Suburbs Squeezed by Federal Budget Cuts
After a decade of phenomenal growth driven by security and stimulus spending, recent cuts to the federal government's budget are being felt throughout D.C. As office vacancies fall nationwide, they're rising in the Washington area.
Vermont Gas Tax Increases on May 1
Vermont became the third state this year to legislatively increase its gas tax when Democratic Gov. Peter Shumlin signed the bill on April 29 that raises the gas tax by 5.9-cents and the diesel tax by 2-cents on July 1 and 1-cent next year.
Gas Stations Get Guzzled as D.C.'s Suburbs Densify
Reflecting a nationwide trend, gas stations across the Washington D.C. metro area are disappearing, as rising land values and shrinking margins have station owners eager to sell.
Gas Tax Legislation Facing Uphill Battles In VT, NH, NV
Now that Maryland has joined Wyoming in increasing its gas tax, who's next? Gas tax legislation in New Hampshire and Vermont have advanced to their Senates where going is rough, and a new, "two-cent a year for a decade" bill is proposed for Nevada.
Transformation of D.C. Area Commute On Track for This Year
With construction of the D.C. subway system's newest extension 90 percent complete, the Silver Line is set to transform the region's transportation patterns, and Northern Virginia's in particular.
Amended Virginia Transportation Bill Backtracks on Prius Tax
In signing the funding bill that eliminates the state's 17.5-cent gas tax, Gov. Bob McDonnell reduced the new registration fee on hybrid vehicles to $64. While environmentalists remained disappointed, Moody's bond rating agency praised it highly.
D.C. Mustn't Look Far to Find Lessons for Reducing the Nation's Worst Congestion
Washington D.C. holds the dubious distinction as the nation's most congested city. As D.C. seeks ways to reduce its traffic, Arlington County, in suburban Virginia, has made great strides in convincing commuters to ditch their cars.
What Type of Bus Stop Does $1 Million Buy You?
Arlington County, Virginia has opened the new $1 million Columbia Pike bus stop to popular disbelief. The prototype station will eventually accommodate buses and streetcars.
Maryland Gas Tax Bill May Raise the Bar
One of the nation's most-watched and complex gas tax bills made significant progress in the House of Delegates. It retained one of its most significant parts, indexing the tax (and transit fares) to inflation, overcoming opposition by Republicans.
Arcane State Board Votes to Give CA Nation's Highest Gas Tax
While state legislatures and governors are struggling whether to raise state gas, sales, or income taxes or user fees to fund transportation projects, an arcane state board of five elected members voted 3-2 to increase CA's gas tax by 3.5 cents.
Chaining Bicycles to Economic Development
Biking can be a formidable economic development tool, argues James A. Bacon, who examines several ways in which investment in bicycle infrastructure can create wealth and jobs.
BRT Comes to D.C.
The first bus rapid transit route in the D.C. metro area will start serving passengers in Northern Virginia as early as Spring 2014.
Virginia Passes Controversial Transportation Bill
Over the weekend, Virginia passed a controversial transportation funding plan that replaces the state's gas tax with a combination of revenue streams. Two California economists look at the flaws with the plan.
Density Drives Tax Revenue in D.C.'s Suburbs
James Bacon examines how in Washington DC's suburbs high-density developments produce significantly more tax revenue per acre than low density developments.
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
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
