Each Friday, the Wagner Planner editorial board will publish a news roundup of recent planning news. Topics range the gamut of urban planning concentrations, but will mostly be at the discretion of the editor.

M.T.A. Slashes in Service Could Erase 450,000 Jobs

“Since the pandemic plunged the Metropolitan Transportation Authority into its worst financial crisis, the agency has warned of doomsday cuts, including slashing service in half and scrapping much-needed infrastructure improvements, that would cripple the region’s public transit network.

Those measures would inconvenience riders, but they would also deepen the New York region’s economic crisis. By 2022, the M.T.A.’s plan could cost the region as many as 450,000 jobs, resulting in $50 billion in lost earnings, according to a report by the Rudin Center for Transportation at New York University and Appleseed, an economic analysis firm.” (The New York Times)

 

Urban Economic Growth in Africa: Analyzing Constraints to Agglomeration

“Many of the major cities in developing countries, especially in Africa, are failing to reap the economic benefits of urbanization. These cities are not able to drive structural transformation, boost growth, create jobs in tradeable industries, and contribute to national economic growth compared with cities in other countries, such as those in China or most developed countries. On World Cities Day (October 31), we should take the time to reflect upon the economic opportunities created by effective urbanization and policies for helping all cities meet their potential in bettering the lives of their citizens.” (Brookings)

 

The $45BN New Railway Beneath Paris

“Here’s how Paris is undergoing one of the world’s most ambitious infrastructure projects to improve their mass transit systems.” (The B1M)