Government / Politics

Roads or Transit: How Will 710 Extension Project Funds Be Used?
The available funding could shift transportation priorities in Southern California’s San Gabriel Valley. But transportation leaders appear to be leaning toward more of the same.
Nation's Newest Toll Road Opens in North Carolina
For a small fee, motorists can now bypass a congested arterial road with two dozen traffic lights outside of Charlotte. Built and operated by the North Carolina Turnpike Authority, the 18-mile, electronically tolled Monroe Expressway opened Nov. 27.

President Macron Acquiesces to Yellow Vests' Demands on Fuel Tax Hike
Despite statements to the contrary just a week ago, Macron reversed position and caved to the demonstrators' demands that upcoming fuel tax hikes be suspended.

Speed Limit Increases Needed to Improve Enforcement, Says L.A. City Proposal
In a strange confluence of factors, expired speed limits and a state statute have hampered speed enforcement. Unfortunately, the proposed solution also looks a like a problem.

'Tis the Season for Abundant Parking
On what is arguably a peak parking day, parking lots around the country still had plenty of space.
OC Streetcar Breaks Ground After Receiving Full Funding Grant Agreement
It's only the third full funding grant administration signed by Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. The $149 million capital investment grant will help fund the 4-mile modern streetcar line from Santa Ana to Garden Grove in Orange County, Calif.

D.C. Council Supports Clean Energy Legislation
The bill, which the council is likely to pass later this month, includes more ambitious renewable energy and clean vehicle mandates.

Late Election Result: Transportation Sales Tax Appears to Pass in San Mateo County, Calif.
Transportation advocates have been patiently waiting since Nov. 6 for the results of a half-cent, 30-year county sales tax measure, 50 percent of which would benefit Samtrans bus and Caltrain needs and 5% bike/ped. It needs 66.67% of votes to pass.

Compact Cities Are Environmentally and Economically More Sustainable
Sprawl leads to more emissions, but the economic costs are also high. Policies and strategies that ensure compact growth are essential.

Plan Changes for Chicago’s Lincoln Yards Project
The massive proposed development project on the Chicago River is facing a host of questions about density, open space, and infrastructure.

Ontario Orders a 'Carbon Trust Fund' to Replace its Cap-and-Trade Program
Premier Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservatives party have left their mark on Ontario's signature climate change policy.

France Drops Road Tolling Plans Amid Fuel Tax Protests
Controversial London-style congestion pricing won't be coming to French cities due to concerns sparked by the 'Yellow Vest' protests over an upcoming fuel tax hike, but President Macron stated the fuel tax increases will go forward in January.

Farm Bill Compromise Reached After SNAP Controversies Resolved
After a political stalemate, lawmakers now say they have a farm bill that will pass both the House and Senate.

Electric Vehicles Alone Will Not Reduce Emissions to Meet California's Climate Goal
According to a new report by the California Air Resources Board, even if electric vehicle sales were to increase tenfold, it would not reduce emissions from transportation enough to meet a 2030 climate goal. A major reduction in driving is needed.

Tardy Transit Funding Arrives in Los Angeles, Twin Cities
They had to wait the better part of a year, but two major transit projects finally have the funding Congress allocated in March.

House Democrats Prepared to Work with Trump Administration on Infrastructure
The incoming chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), points to gubernatorial races and a California ballot initiative to show there's no peril for legislators to hike the gas tax.

Ohio River Bridges Are More Than Just a Waste of Money, Says Critic
Aaron Renn says the bridge projects in and near Louisville, Kentucky, were too expensive and have not led to any positive transportation or economic results.

Getting Started on Inclusive Planning
A toolbox for local governments to address inequality.

Planning Academic Appointed to Federal Reserve Board Community Advisory Council
The Federal Reserve Board’s Community Advisory Council serves in an advisory role on matters affecting communities and consumers.

ADA Compliance Delayed in Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is part of Project Civic Access, a federal initiative to make public facilities accessible. Making the changes necessary for compliance has been challenging for the city.
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