If built, regional high-speed rail networks could provide an alternative to uncomfortable air travel and prevent travelers from becoming stranded at airports during extreme weather.

A high-speed rail network could be the solution to the vast disruptions in travel caused by canceled flights and poor weather every year, argues Owen Pickford. A proposal from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) shows what a hub-and-spoke Midwest rail network could look like. According to Pickford, "Much of it is not really a high-speed rail network, more like 'higher' speed. Only on 'Core Express' corridors will train speeds exceed 125 mph, while the 'Regional' sections will be in the 90 mph to 125 mph range under the FRA plan." Late last year, Amtrak's St. Louis-to-Chicago trains started reaching top speeds of 90 miles per hour, with an ultimate goal of traveling at 110 miles per hour.
True high-speed rail, Pickford argues, would make trips across the Midwest faster and more climate-friendly while reducing operating costs and bringing economic benefits to cities without adequate air service. Meanwhile, in the Pacific Northwest, the proposed Cascadia Rail system would have provided an alternate transportation option for travelers from Sea-Tac Airport during recent winter storms. Comprehensive rail systems could also put pressure on airlines and reduce their lobbying power, forcing them to provide better service.
FULL STORY: High Speed Rail Is a Solution for Terrible Airlines

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

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.

Greening Oakland’s School Grounds
With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.

California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas
Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.

Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship
In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland