City officials say they are committed to building rail connections, but are nixing a prior plan to extend the streetcar network.

The city of Atlanta is committing to building rail along the Beltline, but “not in the form that has been previously discussed,” reports Delaney Tarr in Saporta Report.
Shifting away from a previous proposal to extend the downtown streetcar to the Eastside trail, the streetcar extension will go to the Beltline but not continue on it. “The mayor thinks the South side, lacking in existing rail, is better equipped to handle the massive construction projects. He said light rail will link with other planned transit projects like the Murphy Crossing MARTA infill station.”
The city’s goal is to build on the 15-minute city concept by leveraging the Beltline's natural advantages to create more and faster transit connections. But some transit advocates say the long-term plans should be complemented by short-term transit enhancements. According to the group Beltline Rail Now, “the Streetcar East Extension is the only More MARTA project that can be completed in this decade,” with the group’s chair calling light rail “the proven, scalable solution for urban transit.”
FULL STORY: City commits to Beltline rail on Southside trail

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