Rebuilding America's infrastructure, as promised on the campaign trail and in the first year and a half of the Trump Administration, will get a lot harder when the price of steel has gone up by 40 percent since the beginning of 2018.
David A. Lieb reports on the effects of the Trump Administration's trade policies on infrastructure investment projects and programs around the United States.
Steel prices have risen sharply since the Trump Administration instituted tariffs on steel imports in March, according to Lieb. While some projects are under construction with pre-tariff prices locked in, projects in the pipeline aren't so fortunate. Lieb references the Kansas City streetcar extension, a bridge project over the Mississippi River in St. Louis, and highway construction programs in Rhode Island and Pennsylvania to exemplify projects that are re-evaluating their plans in light of the new prices for steel.
There's also the specter of President Trump's proposed (but likely dead on arrival) $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan. The article implies, with some degree of subtlety, that Trump's trade policies are making Trump's infrastructure promises impossible.
FULL STORY: Trump’s own tariffs make it harder to rebuild infrastructure
How Might Tariffs and Deportations Affect Affordable Housing Development?
Many affordable housing developers worry Trump’s proposed taxes on imports and crackdown on immigration will be detrimental to the industry. Others hope deregulation reduces development costs enough to offset those effects. What’s the most likely outcome?
Trump's Infrastructure Accomplishments Fall Short of Promises
President Trump has fallen short of 2016 promises to update and upgrade the key infrastructure of the United States, according to this article.
Trade War With China Impacts Transit Investments in Chicago
A 25 percent tariff on steel imports could eventually be passed to transit riders in the form of higher fares.
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.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
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.
Los Angeles County Invests in Wildfire Recovery for Parks, Trails, and Open Space
The $4.25 million RESTORE Program supports the recovery of parks, trails, and open spaces damaged by the January 2025 wildfires through targeted grants that promote community healing, wildfire resilience, and equitable access to nature.
Nevada Bills Aim to Establish Home Insurance Assurance Amidst Wildfire Risk
Republican sponsor hopes the FAIR plan would be “a true market of last resort.”
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