Author Archive
Daniel C. Vock
Infrastructure
Safety Group Offers Warnings on Emerging Transportation Tech
They’re urging state and local government leaders to prepare for new types of vehicles and to look beyond industry hype as they design policies to reduce crashes.
Infrastructure
Feds Launch $1B Initiative to Rework Infrastructure That Cut Apart Cities
The Biden administration says places that prioritize community outreach as they design project proposals will have an advantage over others.
Finance
Instead of Relief at the Pump, California Moves to Put Cash in Pockets
State leaders are opting for direct payments up to $1,050, rather than a gas tax suspension as they look to provide residents a break from skyrocketing prices.
Management
Infrastructure Tops Mayors’ Concerns for 2nd Year
The National League of Cities’ analysis of local leaders’ speeches finds renewed interest in maintenance and construction projects, and worries about how they will handle billions in new federal dollars.
Infrastructure
The States Shifting Road Safety Dollars Away From Safety Programs
Some in Congress are asking why states are redirecting the federal money at a time when crashes and highway deaths are on the rise.
Infrastructure
Why It's So Hard to Convince the Public on Transportation Projects
Drivers and engineers often hold very different attitudes on transportation that directly contradict those of transportation planners, new research shows.
Finance
Booming State Budget Growth is Headed for a Slowdown
Governors are calling for a 4.2% increase in general fund spending, compared to 13.6% this year, according to a new report.
Management
The States That Passed Laws This Year to Curb LGBTQ Rights
There’s been a wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation, much of it directed at transgender youth. “Our community has been under attack,” says one advocate.
Infrastructure
City Official: State Transportation Agencies Block Street Safety Progress
The Idaho city council president told congressional lawmakers that state policies are designed to make sure vehicles go fast. She and others offered local solutions to make roads safer for drivers and pedestrians.
Infrastructure
Work Zones Cause Crashes—but Only Sometimes
Researchers found that there are more vehicle accidents in work zones on busy roads, among other things.
Infrastructure
Driverless Taxis Hit the Streets
California regulators gave Cruise the go-ahead to charge passengers to ride through San Francisco in its autonomous vehicles, but public safety skepticism remains.
Featured eBooks
Infrastructure
Two States Cancel Highway Expansions After Years of Planning
Advocates in favor of scrapping highway projects hope that increased public pressure and scrutiny from the Biden administration will halt others.
Infrastructure
Feds Unveil $368M in Grants for Dozens of Rail Projects
The money will go towards upgrades on both freight and passenger lines in 32 states.
Infrastructure
Battle Over Status of Uber and Lyft Drivers Returns to the Ballot Box
Massachusetts voters will decide if the drivers are treated as employees or contractors. It’s the latest dispute to play out between labor advocates and the ride-booking giants.
Infrastructure
A Bike Advocate Mayor on a Mission to Create ‘People-oriented’ Streets
Emeryville, California Mayor John Bauters, who has gained notice for his punchy tweets about cycling and pedestrian issues, explains his broader vision for transforming the city.
Public Safety
Patchwork of State Gun Laws Unlikely to Change Even After Massacre at Texas School
The shooting left 19 students and two educators dead, renewing calls for stricter gun laws. But the issue has been at a standstill for years in Congress amid Republican opposition and states remain divided.
Infrastructure
As Feds Update Auto Safety Standards, City Officials Want a Say
They’re speaking up about vehicle features and testing they’d like to see at a time when local governments are dealing with rising crashes on their streets.
Infrastructure
The Case for Going Big With Infrastructure Spending
One mayor sees a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” with the wave of public works dollars, but he’s also concerned ambitious projects could get passed over.
Public Safety
With Complaints Rising, Transit Agencies Search for Alternatives to Police
As they look to win back riders lost during the pandemic, bus and subway operators are looking beyond traditional law enforcement to address their concerns.
Infrastructure