A coalition of leaders in the Appalachian region recently released the "Marshall Plan for Middle America" to create jobs and transition the states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky away from fossil fuels.
The "Marshall Plan for Middle America" calls for $600 billion in investments over a decade in the states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. The investments would transition the Appalachian region away from fossil fuels and into renewable and energy efficiency projects, according to an article by Reid Frazier.
The authors claim that the plan would create 270,000 direct and 140,000 "induced" jobs," according to Frazier.
Leslie Marshall, associate director of the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Sustainable Business and the lead author of the plan, is quoted in the article describing the "confluence of crises" the plan intends to address: climate change, social and economic inequality, and the pandemic.
"The plan does not specify where the money will come from, but suggests it could be funded through a mix of tax breaks, public-private partnerships, and alliances between labor, environmental, and academic institutions," according to Frazier, who also notes that the plan shares a lot in common with the Green New Deal.
According to a separate article on the plan by Chris Teale, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto has already spoken in support of the plan, but mayors from Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia have also signed on to support the plan.
As U.S. Transportation Infrastructure Holds Back Economic Recovery, It's Time for Change
Opinion: Six months into the pandemic, the state of the U.S. economy reveals that the planning profession can support struggling Americans by focusing on transportation and the land use patterns that enable mass transit.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Vital urbanism and a prescription for the post-pandemic city.
Anticipation, Costs Rise as Details of Biden's Infrastructure Plan Emerge
The Biden administration's highly anticipated infrastructure spending plan is expected to go public this week. After weeks of speculation about the size and focus of the plan, recent reports reveal a growing package and new revenue streams.
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.
Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.
San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.
A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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