The more than 38,000-member American Planning Association has just released what it calls its “Opportunity Agenda” designed to place a renewed emphasis on national housing and infrastructure issues.
That agenda is tasking the new Congress to formulate and pass housing legislation that “advances affordability, availability, quality, and access to economic and social opportunities.”
On infrastructure legislation, the APA, which has offices in both Chicago and Washington, wants Congress to “invest in infrastructure that leads to stronger, more vibrant communities.”
In so doing, says the group, Congress should pursue both “inclusive growth and development strategies,” as well as “healthy and safe communities through good planning and strategic investments.”
“Well-planned infrastructure investments are a catalyst for economic growth, longterm prosperity, and access to opportunity,” the APA statement continues.
Last year, the Trump Administration suggested an infrastructure plan that included using upwards of $200 billion in federal money combined with private, state and local investment to fund a wide variety of road, port, and airport infrastructure projects.
That idea went nowhere, although in the wake of the November election, Nancy Pelosi, now the new Speaker of the House, indicated a willingness to work with the White House on infrastructure issues.
Those matters, however, have for the moment fallen by the wayside as the federal government shutdown nears its fourth week.
By Garry Boulard
