A new lawsuit could delay the massive transit proposal into the next legislative session, where anti-Austin lawmakers could kill it altogether.
Austin’s Project Connect may never get built, in part thanks to a new legal challenge supported by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
As Lina Fisher reports in the Austin Chronicle, “In 2022, ATP had to halve their planned 20.2 miles of light rail, subway, and new rapid bus routes to a now 9.8-mile line, with no subway and no lines to the airport, all thanks to climbing costs from design changes and inflation.” Now, the lawsuit argues that voters did not approve the revised design, thus making the city unable to issue debt or spend property taxes on the project.
“The A.G. must approve any entity that wants to issue debt in the state, but ATP has asked for a bond validation election in Travis County district court that can override the A.G.’s disapproval and expedite the legal process, which could have otherwise taken two years.” A trial is set for the end of May, but there are multiple ways for the plaintiffs and Paxton to delay the process into the next legislative session, “which may prove the biggest threat to Project Connect.”
FULL STORY: Project Connect’s Paxton Problem
Texas State Bills Could Kill Transit Funding in Dallas, Austin
State lawmakers could pull funding from the state’s largest transit agency and the ambitious Project Connect, a voter-approved transit project in Austin.
Austin’s Project Connect Funding Safe for 2025
The light rail project is moving ahead with plans to finalize its environmental impact review by late 2025.
Texas Attorney General Calls Project Connect Funding Scheme Illegal
The massive transit project’s unique funding scheme could run afoul of state law.
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.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Dear Tesla Driver: “It’s not You, It’s Him.”
Amidst a booming bumper sticker industry, one writer offers solace to those asking, “Does this car make me look fascist?”
A Visual Celebration of Manhattan’s Chinatown Elder Community, Through Food
Lanterns, cafeteria trays, and community connection take center stage in this stunning photo essay.
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.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
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