The first edition of The Innovative DOT, released in September 2012, is available below. The second edition was released in January 2014. State officials across the country are facing the same challenges. Revenues are falling and budgets are shrinking. Yet state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) have ambitious goals: improve safety, reduce congestion, enhance economic opportunity, … Continued
It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that Smart Growth America reflects on the sudden passing of the Mark C. Schneider, a smart growth real estate developer, civic leader, chairman of the Board of Directors of Pittsburgh Institution and 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania, one of our coalition partners. Mark succumbed to injuries that he suffered as the result of a bicycling accident in Maryland on July 29th, 2012. He passed on with family and friends at his side. The following remembrance is from our partner, 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania:
“Though he made many contributions and played many important roles, his most valued and treasured was as friend. Mark was so much more-personally and professionally-than a Board member to us at 10,000 Friends. He was a successful businessman, real estate developer, civic leader, volunteer, fundraiser, champion, mentor, and boss. Mark spent so much time working with us that he almost seemed a co-worker as well. Mark joined 10,000 Friends’ Board of Directors in 2002. He left the Board briefly to consult on our signature and most successful project, the Pennsylvania Community Transportation Initiative (PCTI). He then rejoined the board and became chairman in 2010. Mark’s leadership, vision, ideas, and influence can be felt in everything that we do.”
This report documents the growth of that diverse movement and its strengths by analyzing the
more than 350 existing written policies adopted by states, regions, counties, and communities
before January 1, 2012. Policies that come closest to meeting the ‘ideal’ are highlighted. Used
in conjunction with the Complete Streets Local Policy Workbook, this report is also a useful tool
for communities looking to develop their own Complete Streets policy based on current best
practices. Many examples in this report come from policies adopted in 2011, in part because so
many strong examples were adopted last year.
An summary of bus rapid transit features. Image from the Government Accountability Office.
In a new report released this week, the Government Accountability Office explores bus rapid transit (BRT) as a less costly way for communities to meet their transit needs and spur economic development.
“Bus Rapid Transit Projects Improve Transit Service and Can Contribute to Economic Development” surveyed 20 BRT projects regarding their features, design, performance, ridership, cost, and effect on the community. Faster than regular bus service and cheaper to create than street cars or subways, BRT can improve transportation choices at a relatively low cost.
The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER Discretionary Grant program, provides a unique opportunity for US DOT to invest in road, rail, transit and port projects that promise to achieve critical national objectives. The TIGER grant program is also part of the federal interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities, which encourages collaboration with US EPA … Continued
Hundreds of urban planners, civic figures, public officials and activists in Southeast Florida are working together to help better achieve the region’s multiple development goals.
The South Florida Regional Planning Council, the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, and hundreds of volunteers and residents, have come together to create a plan that addresses the common issues of the Southeast Florida super-region. The Seven50 Southeast Florida Prosperity Plan, now in its initial phase, will work with seven counties in South Florida to create a plan for growth over the next 50 years.
This week, the Partnership for Sustainable Communities celebrated three years of collaborative and innovative work, but members of Congress proposed to eliminate and restrict the funding of its programs. While the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations (T-HUD) bill in the Senate had not been brought to the floor, the full House of Representatives has passed … Continued
Today, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the recipients of the fourth round of the TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant program. Nearly $500 million will go to fund the 47 transportation projects in 34 states plus the District of Columbia. Many projects are not eligible for other kinds of federal funding or have difficulty finding funding due to their regional or multi-state nature.
This week, the House Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee marked up their spending bill for the 2013 fiscal year. The bill funds HUD’s Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities to continue its operations, though funding for the tremendously popular Regional Planning and Community Challenge grants was not included. Also lacking in the bill was funding for DOT’s TIGER grants.
Crossposted from the Huffington Post.
Let’s look on the bright side of life.
By all accounts, you would be hard-pressed today to find anyone who views congressional inaction positively. But with the House of Representatives’ transportation package languishing amid opposition from both Democrats and Republicans, members of Congress at least have added time to address the bill’s severe shortcomings.
Our country’s roads and bridges are in desperate need of repair, so crafting economically beneficial legislation with bipartisan support should be lawmakers’ top priority. Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica has already shown us what’s possible when business development and other interests meet, including language in the House bill that would spur development around transit stations and jumpstart real estate investment. With that kind of cooperative leadership as a model, the House would be wise to make the following revisions, showing voters that it’s the congressional branch with the capacity to get things done in an election year.