Florida Governor Rick Scott approved a $78 billion state budget last week, which includes $25 million for a statewide network of non-motorized trails.
SunTrails map, courtesy of the Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation
Funding for trails remained strong, despite a record $461 million in reductions from the initial statewide budget proposal. In total, $50 million will be directed towards Florida trails over the next year, with an additional $25 million coming from Amendment 1, which is a new land and water conservation fund approved by voters last Fall.
The new trail funding will be directed through Florida’s Department of Transportation to implement the Florida SunTrail plan. The SunTrail (Shared Use Non-Motorized Trail Network) is a series of paved, long distance biking and walking trails connecting metro regions, coastlines, and Florida’s interior. Some of the trails parallel major transportation corridors, but the concept is that all trail segments will be separate from roadways, helping to move bikers and walkers safely and comfortably, and bolster Florida’s image as a bicycle and pedestrian-friendly state.
FULL STORY: Florida Governor Signs $78 Billion State Budget, Minus Some Pork
Plan to Link 50 Miles of Dallas Trails Seeks City Partnership to Complete Funding
Dallas' Circuit Trail Conservancy has raised $23 million dollars to fund the construction of connectors that would link 50 miles of trails, now they're looking for an additional $20 million in bond money to get the project fully funded.
'Economic Mapping' to Help Regional Planning
Identifying potential hubs and activity centers allows regions to foster economic growth and density.
A Call for Long-Term Federal Transportation Funding
When Congress recently failed yet again to pass a long-term surface transportation bill, Representative Earl Blumenauer decided it was time for a reality check.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?
Opinion: California’s SB 79 Would Improve Housing Affordability and Transit Access
A proposed bill would legalize transit-oriented development statewide.
Record Temperatures Prompt Push for Environmental Justice Bills
Nevada legislators are proposing laws that would mandate heat mitigation measures to protect residents from the impacts of extreme heat.
Downtown Pittsburgh Set to Gain 1,300 New Housing Units
Pittsburgh’s office buildings, many of which date back to the early 20th century, are prime candidates for conversion to housing.
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.
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
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