Funding issues are compounding the troubles involved in expanding the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit System (BART) to include San Jose and other areas in Silicon Valley. A recent allocation of funds is keeping the plan moving.
"Santa Clara County voters approved a 30-year half-cent sales tax six years ago that at the time was touted as enough money to build BART, improve Caltrain and expand light-rail and bus service."
"But the dot-com bust sent projected revenue plunging and to do everything promised will cost about $3 billion more than VTA anticipates it will receive in the next three decades."
"The sales tax, which kicked in earlier this year, would cover about half the cost of building BART. The VTA is banking on getting state and federal aid to make up the difference."
"But building BART is just part of the financial battle. The VTA doesn't have the cash to operate additional transit service approved in the tax plan; roughly $75 million a year is needed. And the agency won't get federal aid until it does."
FULL STORY: BART chugs along, for now

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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