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.

Note: This will be the last news roundup for this term. We’ll return in spring 2021 – we hope to see you then. In the meantime, here are this week’s picks.

 

The Future of American Public Transit Depends On Congress

“It seems likely that Congress will soon act to support the struggling sector, at least partially. The bipartisan Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020, unveiled Monday, includes $15 billion in funding for transit systems, but that may be barebones. The New York MTA alone is requesting $12 billion. Meanwhile, the WMATA in D.C.’s budget shortfall already exceeds $450 million.” (Time)

 

The role of the body in designing the city, beyond mere functionality

“It is impossible to talk about cities without focusing on bodies. It is from here that Elena Dorato’s book Preventive Urbanism immerses us in the history of the city told through the body, with the health and socio-demographic repercussions that follow.” (Domus)

 

Americans Like Free Parking. They Don’t Realize It Doesn’t Exist.

“When you zip into a space and don’t pay for it, somebody is still footing the bill. It’s not just somebody else – it’s you. You’re paying for the traffic jams and pollution you’re getting stuck with.” (Governing)