METRO’s support of an on-demand microtransit service comes as the agency is scaling back its bigger bus projects.

A Houston City Council member is questioning Harris County METRO’s decision to invest in an on-demand microtransit service as the agency cuts funding to a proposed bus rapid transit (BRT) line, report Dominic Anthony Walsh and Colleen DeGuzman for Houston Public Media.
According to Council member Letitia Plummer, “(Microtransit) is not helping the larger footprint of mobility that the City of Houston needs, so I'm going to look at that a little closer ... Can we use the money in a different way to serve more people?”
The article notes that METRO has walked back its plans for BRT in favor of microtransit, which the agency says helps people solve the first/last mile problem and complements traditional transit. However, critics of microtransit agree with Plummer that microtransit can sap resources from already strained transit agencies and can’t cost-effectively provide services at a large scale.

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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