In August, Amtrak received a $63.9 million grant from the FRA to continue its work to identify a high-speed rail corridor between Dallas and Houston.

“Despite some naysayers saying that the high-speed rail project between Dallas and Houston is DOA and others trying their best to kill it, there is still slow but steady movement on this critical infrastructure project that would connect the two mega-cities in about 90 minutes,” according to an article from Texas Rail Advocates. Planetizen reported small movements forward in April when Amtrak took the lead on the project, as well as in May and July. Next, “In August the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) granted $63.9 million for Amtrak to continue planning and advancing the project that Texas Central Railway brought close to the construction stage,” according to the Texas Rail Advocates article.
Amtrak Senior Vice-President for High Speed Rail Andy Byford told the Texas Rail Advocates that the project has progressed to the third and final step of the FRA Corridor Identification Program and that, while it’s by no means a done deal, he’s pleased with the progress. The article discusses several of the obstacles the project has faced since the pandemic stopped work for nearly two years, including extensive criticism as outlined in this article from the Daily Caller, but assures readers that while the project may look like it’s in a holding pattern, “There is still a lot of behind the scenes work going on with Texas Central and some of the original investors and players are still active while Amtrak works toward bringing the project forward.”
FULL STORY: Wake up! High-speed rail Dallas to Houston: it's still moving along

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.

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.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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