An interactive exhibit offered visitors a glimpse into the future rail system.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority unveiled an interactive exhibit at the California State Fair featuring mock-ups of the future system’s trains, reports Marni Rose McFall in Newsweek.
“At the fair, visitors were invited to walk through the life-size mock-ups of train interiors, look at 3D renderings and models of the planned Central Valley stations and more,” McFall writes.
According to an information officer for the Authority, roughly 50,000 people visited the exhibit. “The 3D models show preliminary designs of four central valley stations, Merced, Fresno the Kings Tulare station and Bakersfield.”
The long-awaited project is underway, with 119 miles under active construction between Merced and Bakersfield in the Central Valley. “Completion is expected upon the initiation of passenger service, which is slated for between 2030 and 2033. The project plans for trains to run at speeds up to 220 miles per hour, enabling a trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles in under three hours.” The cost, initially projected at $40 billion, is now estimated to reach between $88 to $128 billion.
FULL STORY: California High-Speed Rail Design Gets First Public Test

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.

How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.

Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.

Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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