High-speed rail projects progress in California, Texas and other states

Both red and blue states are backing bullet trains while Amtrak has taken the lead on a proposed Dallas-Houston project.

Storms send sewage into Chicago waterways. The city hopes a new green infrastructure plan can help.

As climate change increases the city's rainfall, Illinois is requiring Chicago to revamp a decade-old plan for stormwater management with equity in mind.

Low-carbon district energy system launches in a Washington city’s waterfront neighborhood

The system, which captures waste heat for districtwide heating and cooling, is expected to help the buildings served meet Washington state energy code requirements, the Port of Bellingham says.

Is US high-speed rail finally on a roll?

With two projects underway, business, labor and government leaders see the dawn of a new industry that “could be a very important part of the U.S. economy,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

California pours $827M into local homelessness response with increased accountability measures

The state is collecting monthly data on how communities spend the money and whether investments make a measurable difference.

Philadelphia bans rent-setting software, joining San Francisco

The software lets residential landlords indirectly coordinate, raising rents, lowering occupancy rates and increasing evictions, lawmakers say. San Francisco’s ban is in effect, while Philadelphia’s awaits the mayor’s signature.

Updated Oct. 30, 2024

Passenger rail, freight rail get $2.4B from Federal Railroad Administration

Grants announced today are the largest-ever funding round for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program, said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

New York unveils daily wildfire risk map

As dry weather fuels brush fires in the state, officials and researchers launched a data tool they say will get critical information to the public and firefighters more quickly.

Robotaxi company Waymo raises $5.6B to expand operations

The company plans to use the money to bring its “Waymo One” commercial ride-hailing service to more U.S. cities.

Phoenix cool pavement study shows technology tradeoffs

The reflective coating is more effective in certain urban areas than others, Arizona State University researchers said in a report prepared for the city.

FTA orders transit agencies to protect workers amid rising assaults

“No American should go to work and worry they will not return home safely,” the Federal Transit Administration’s deputy administrator said. Agencies must respond by Dec. 26.

California doles out $3.8B for transportation improvements

Approximately 600 local governments and regional transportation authorities will receive money, according to the California Transportation Commission.

FAA sets air taxi pilot training, operations final rule

Powered-lift aircraft like eVTOL, which operate like both helicopters and airplanes, are "the first new category of aircraft in nearly 80 years," the FAA administrator said in announcing the new rule.

NYC comptroller proposes stopping pensions’ private market investments in fossil fuels

The funds would be the first U.S. public pension plans to have exclusions on investing in fossil fuel infrastructure like pipelines and liquefied natural gas terminals.

How US cities are investing in green infrastructure

The nation’s largest city is spending millions on porous pavement while communities in the Midwest are greening neglected alleys to mitigate flooding.

Transit measures are on the November ballot in these city, county and state elections

Voters are being asked to approve billions in taxes to support public transit, roads, greenbelts and bike and pedestrian infrastructure.

California’s first carbon capture and storage facility gets local approval

The decision follows heated debate among community members about the project’s economic and health impacts.

Vacant office space is costing US cities billions in annual rental losses: report

Residential conversion challenges call into question their potential role in stemming the rent losses in cities including New York and Los Angeles, Switch On Business says.

Wider streets are more dangerous for pedestrians to cross

Longer street crossings are more likely to lead to more pedestrian collisions, according to a New York University study of 49,000 crossings in three cities.

$13B overhaul of I-45 in Houston breaks ground after years of delays

The controversial highway widening project, one of Texas’ largest infrastructure efforts, is expected to take 18 years to complete.

Legal threats to city, state natural gas bans: A timeline

A Maryland county’s law requiring building standards that mandate all-electric buildings is under fire from business and labor groups and a gas utility.

Updated Oct. 30, 2024

Office-to-residential conversions are tough. Could dorm-style co-living be the answer?

Microapartments with shared bathrooms and kitchens could suit service workers, retirees and young professionals and cost 25% to 35% less than converting offices to traditional apartments, Pew and Gensler researchers said.

Massachusetts investing in commuter rail to relieve traffic congestion

“Our roads are at a standstill,” the state’s transportation secretary said at a conference last week, detailing how the state is making passenger rail a priority.

13 multifamily housing-related ballot measures to watch in November

While California’s proposition to remove limits on local rent control has attracted national headlines, other jurisdictions also have initiatives focused on addressing housing challenges.

Transportation costs soared in major US cities over the past 10 years

Inflation was the leading driver of higher transportation costs in 10 major cities, according to the New York state comptroller. The average household spent over $12,700 on transportation in the 2022-2023 period.