Bus rapid transit projects, separated bike lanes and a collection of streetcar systems are being unexpectedly funded by outgoing Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who's relishing his final days in office with an unprecedented spending spree.
In just the past month, LaHood has issued federal grants for more than $1.5 billion in public transit, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure project – perhaps the largest short-term outpouring of federal transportation dollars in history. LaHood confirmed in late January that he would leave his office upon the selection of a new transportation secretary. But since no replacement has been chosen, LaHood has embraced his tentative hold on power by opening up the DOT's checkbook.
LaHood was ebullient at a recent meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, handing out federal transportation grants like it was an episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show. "You get a streetcar! And you get a streetcar! And you get a streetcar!" he told the assembled mayors, each giddy at the prospect of previously unattainable grants.
Obama administration officials are trying to stem the fiscal bleeding by finding a new candidate to nominate for LaHood's cabinet seat. In the meantime, LaHood is pushing the limits of his power. He recently earmarked $100,000 for the construction of a one-eighth scale miniature railroad in the backyard of his private home.
"Pretty soon I won't be Transportation Secretary of the U.S. anymore," LaHood said. "But I'll always be Transportation Secretary of Casa LaHood."
FULL STORY: Transportation Secretary on Spending Binge Before Leaving Office
Self-Driving Cars Still Can't Recognize the Difference Between a Wedding Planner and an Urban Planner
Pundits agree that planners need to prepare for self-driving cars. Self-driving cars still need to prepare for planners.
Florida Man Thought the New Comp Plan Included Zoning Changes
A Florida man is accused of not realizing an entirely separate process would be required to implement the zoning changes recommended in a recently approved comprehensive plan.
April Fool's Headlines That Didn't Make the Cut
"Who's the more foolish, the fool, or the fool who follows him?"
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Paris Bike Boom Leads to Steep Drop in Air Pollution
The French city’s air quality has improved dramatically in the past 20 years, coinciding with a growth in cycling.
Why Housing Costs More to Build in California Than in Texas
Hard costs like labor and materials combined with ‘soft’ costs such as permitting make building in the San Francisco Bay Area almost three times as costly as in Texas cities.
San Diego County Sees a Rise in Urban Coyotes
San Diego County experiences a rise in urban coyotes, as sightings become prevalent throughout its urban neighbourhoods and surrounding areas.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
City of Santa Clarita
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service