Infrastructure

Conflicting Interests and a Broken Planning System
A scathing critique of city planning, and the special interests that hold the system in thrall, in New York City.

Delivery Drivers Can Reserve Curb Space Ahead of Time in D.C.
An innovative pilot project is under way in Washington, D.C., which is pursuing radical steps to rethink the use of on-street curb spaces in an era of transformative transportation technology.

Repowered Southern California Natural Gas Power Plant Will Have Lots of Green
Most of the aging 350-megawatt Grayson Power Plant, operated by Glendale Water & Power, will be retired by 2021. The city's utility district has struggled with how to repower it. A compromise reached last month ensures low emissions and reliability.

Proposal Would Shift CA High-Seed Rail Funding to Southern California
A new proposal for building high-speed rail in California would refocus funding to the urban ends of the complete, state route, by funding rail improvements first in Southern California.

Conflicts With the Las Vegas Monorail Complicating Elon Musk's Tunnel Plans
In the rush to get the LVCC Loop ready for a major conference in 2021, concern grows about the potential of the project to damage the existing Las Vegas monorail system.

Lack of Funding Hits the Brakes for Planned Bus Rapid Transit Route in Denver
Funding for a $200 million bus rapid transit route on East Colfax Avenue in Denver is well behind schedule.

South Florida Planners Having Visions of a Monorail
With some new transit tax money to spend, South Florida officials are pitching a monorail project in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

Lake Michigan Wreaking Havoc on Chicago This Summer
Lake Michigan has reached historic levels this summer. Properties on the Far North Side are most at risk. Swimmers have already been called back from the shore.

Climate Mayors Make Their Case to Climate Senators at their First Hearing
Five "climate mayors" addressed the Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis at their fist hearing on July 17, titled, “A Blueprint for Success: U.S. Climate Action at the Local Level.” Transportation was a major issue.

Friday Funny: Who's Neglecting Transit Payments Now?
Satirical news website The Onion turns up the heat on New York politicians, this time flipping the tables of the fare evasion debate.

What it Means to Design With Nature in 2019
It's been 50 years since Ian McHarg released Design With Nature, and projects all over the world are continuing to employ and improve the design ethos described in that groundbreaking book.

Climate Gets a Mention in First Committee's Approval of Federal Transportation Bill
A $287 billion, five-year transportation reauthorization made its way out of its first Senate committee this week.

The High, Regressive Costs Imposed by Electric Vehicles
Two UC Berkeley economists evaluated whether to charge electric vehicles a mileage fee since they pay no fuel taxes. A study from the Mineta Institute evaluated the impact of new EV registration fees and increased fuel taxes in California.
Effort to Rid Apartments of Lead Poisoning Risk Pushes Forward in Philadelphia
It’s been a tough slog for a bill designed to force landlords to remove lead from all buildings before they can charge tenants for rent.

Feds Spend $85 Million on Next Gen Bus Technology
The awardees of the Low-No grant program were announced recently. Only transit systems looking to add hydrogen fuel cells, battery electric engines, and related infrastructure improvement need apply.

Electric Bus Rapid Transit Between Pittsburgh and Oakland Takes Crucial Steps Forward
The Port Authority of Allegheny County will lead the remainder of a project to deliver major transportation improvements between Downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland.

No 3D Crosswalks in Cincinnati After Federal Guidance Finds Risk
A proposal to paint three-dimensional crosswalks near schools, approved by the Cincinnati City Council, has been rejected by the Cincinnati Department of Transportation and Engineering.

AI and the Digital City
Adie Tomer, of the Brookings Institution, writes about the role of artificial intelligence in the new digital age transforming cities.

Local Internet Is Faster
More than 300,000 speed tests showed that six of the ten fastest internet service providers were locally run, including the fastest: Sonic in California.

Congestion Pricing Gains Traction in Seattle
Congestion pricing is a popular subject of conversation in Seattle, even if the idea hasn't yet proven popular with voters. The city is looking for ways to lead on climate change by reducing emissions from transportation.
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Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service