Many things came together for light rail to come to Charlotte, starting in 1996. Key was perseverance by a conservative mayor, a volunteer group that started a historic trolley, voters who supported a sales tax, and experienced transit professionals
Grist explores the instrumental people and events that enabled this 10-mile system (known as LYNX) that opened Nov. 2007 to surpass its ridership forecast by 3,000 the first year. It forms a key part of the Charlotte Area Transit System.
Charlotte is car-loving NASCAR country, a vast suburbia of cul-de-sacs and strip malls. Yet its new light rail line is a national model for success. How did sensible transportation planning come to sprawlburbia?"
The key word is 'development' that would be enabled by the system, and transit oriented at that. Surprisingly, a 39-year-old conservative mayor knew that roads alone were not the city's future, and that transit would enable high density growth.
"In 1996, six months into his first mayoral term, conservative Republican Pat McCrory put transit atop his agenda. He lobbied relentlessly -- not about carbon footprints or global warming -- but about transit as economic develop men. The legislature finally OK'd a half-cent sales tax for transit , if voters approved. In 1998 they did."
Thanks to Daily Grist
FULL STORY: Charlotte does light rail right
Expansion Planned for Atlanta Streetcar
A proposed expansion of Atlanta's beleaguered downtown streetcar could turn the 'novelty' line into a truly useful transportation option in the car-centric city.
Ridership Drops As Detroit's QLine Streetcar Starts Charging
Since Detroit's new streetcar system started charging, ridership has dropped. Those who are riding aren't necessarily paying anyways.
Light Rail Opening Next Year, More Lines Proposed—Transit Debates Keep Finding Charlotte
An extension of the Lynx Blue Line is schedule to open to the public on March 31, 2018. Controversy regarding sales taxes have traditionally followed transit projects in the region.
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.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
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