Weekly Links: Georgia lawmakers are getting serious about taxing Uber and Lyft to pay for transit. Also, when more women are included in the map-making process, maps end up better reflecting communities. And, Oregon imposes the first state-wide cap on rent increases.
Georgia Lawmakers Look to Ban Offshore Drilling
Weekly Links: Led by coastal lawmakers, a bi-partisan group in the Georgia Legislature pushes for a ban on offshore drilling. And, western US cities may soon look a little more like New York. Plus, new poll numbers show a minority of Gwinnett residents oppose MARTA expansion – unfortunately those people are most likely to get their voices heard.
Educating Kids is Our Greatest Victory In The BP Oil Spill Settlement
Weekly Links: The money used to educate kids about science may be the most influential and significant piece of the multi-billion dollar settlement agreement with BP. Plus, a transit-oriented soccer league is developing in Atlanta, a new study shows exposure to television news decreases your ability to discern fact from opinion, and e-scooter companies are finally being sued for negligence.
The Great Streetcar Conspiracy Strikes Again
This week, Gwinnett County’s approval of rail expansion comes in the wake of a recent report highlighting the efforts of a conservative lobbying group to kill local transit projects throughout the country. This is reminiscent of General Motors’ effort decades ago to kill trolley ridership in favor of cars. Plus, we’ve introduced a new chart to put Atlanta’s temperatures into a historical context.
Housing Crisis? What Housing Crisis?
This week, amid a nationwide housing crisis, HUD proposes cuts to housing subsidies for the poor, elderly, and disabled. Also, Roanoke incorporates beer into their official marketing and economic strategy, MARTA released its list of proposed transit projects, and California will require solar panels on all new homes.
In an Otherwise Absurd Legislative Session, a Grand Coalition Emerges in Support of Transit
In a legislative session marked by chaotic, partisan showmanship, transit has emerged as a strong bipartisan issue. A grand coalition of urban and rural politicians from both parties have put regional transit funding in Atlanta on the precipice of reality. Enter Cobb County, the obstinate killer of transit momentum.
As Young People Make Their Voices Heard, College Republicans Take a Stand on Climate Change
This week, College Republicans join other young Americans in the quest to get politicians to confront urgent problems. Also, trailer parks can teach us something about good urban planning, Atlanta gets serious about transit, and a beautiful video showing the impact of light pollution on the night sky.
Weekly Links: Icy City of Stilts in Siberia, Germany’s Free Transit Experiment, and Tolkien-Style National Park Maps
This week Steeve Iuncker could only shoot Yanunsk, Siberia in 15-minute sessions to prevent his film from freezing, international satellite data confirms that seas are rising at an accelerated pace, Germany looks to follow Chattanooga in providing free transit to reduce pollution, and cool Lord of the Rings-esque maps of UK National Parks.