A decision from the Government Accountability Office spurred by Republican pushback led the agency to issue a new memo abandoning its previous stance, which ‘gently’ promoted maintenance work over new road construction.

Under pressure from Republican lawmakers, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is walking back its effort to promote road maintenance and multimodal infrastructure over new highway construction, reports Alex Daugherty in Politico.
Daugherty explains that “The Federal Highway Administration issued a new policy memo on Friday that rescinds previous language it had sent to states in December, which had urged them to use money from the 2021 infrastructure law on ‘fix it first’ programs.” Now, states can spend federal infrastructure funding however they want, with no guidance encouraging investment in pedestrian and bike infrastructure or transit.
Although the language in the 2021 memo was nonbinding, “the Government Accountability Office determined that the document went beyond listing legal requirements and instead expressed a policy preference.” The new memo prioritizes states’ rights, stating, “FHWA recognizes and values the authority and role of the States in deciding how to prioritize the use of their Federal-aid highway dollars and will continue to administer funds and programs consistent with all requisite statutory requirements and considerations.”
FULL STORY: After Republican complaints, DOT abandons attempt to discourage highway construction

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?

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The Sunset Dunes park’s grand opening attracted both fans and detractors.

Oregon Legislature to Consider Transit Funding Laws
One proposal would increase the state’s payroll tax by .08% to fund transit agencies and expand service.

Housing Vouchers as a Key Piece of Houston’s Housing Strategy
The Houston Housing Authority supports 19,000 households through the housing voucher program.
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