Improving the systems and politics of transportation funding could ensure more local money, more efficient land use planning and mobility choices, and more.
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council, the regional planning agency for metropolitan Boston, recently released a report that recommends 14 steps for developing a sustainable and resilient transportation financing system.
According to an article by Elise Harmon promoting the report, the 14 recommendations are proposed as a menu of options: "multiple solutions will likely be needed to address our local, regional, and statewide transportation goals."
"The released goals include recommendations to provide local funding options to cities and towns, encourage smart growth and mode shift, and raise broad-based revenue for transportation improvements."
Among the 14 total, four recommendations focus on providing funding to local needs, four recommendations focus on encouraging mode shift and smart growth, and six general recommendations are designed to increase revenues.
FULL STORY: MAPC Releases Transportation Finance Recommendations
New Transit Oriented Zoning Criteria Proposed for Massachusetts
More details on the state of Massachusetts' game changing "Housing Choice" program are now available.
Local Leaders Press Massachusetts for New Sources of Transportation Funding
Three separate coalitions of local mayors, each from different corners of Eastern Massachusetts, want to the commonwealth to prioritize transportation funding. Some even called for a 15-cent increase to the gas tax.
How, and Where, Land Use Regulations Block Multi-Family Housing in the Boston Region
New analysis explores every city and suburb in the Boston region to reveal the tools of multi-family housing obstruction—sometimes it takes more than zoning to block apartments from getting built.
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.
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.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Private Donations Propel Early Restoration of Palisades Playground
Los Angeles has secured over $1.3 million in private funding to restore the Pacific Palisades playground months ahead of schedule, creating a modern, accessible space that supports community healing after recent wildfires.
From Blight to Benefit: Early Results From California’s Equitable Cleanup Program
The Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) program is reshaping brownfield redevelopment by prioritizing projects in low-income and environmental justice communities, emphasizing equity, transparency, and community benefits.
Planting Relief: Tackling Las Vegas Heat One Tree at a Time
Nevada Plants, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit, is combating the city’s extreme urban heat by giving away trees to residents in underserved neighborhoods, promoting shade, sustainability, and community health.
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.
Ascent Environmental
Borough of Carlisle
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