Bypassing Equity? Transit Investment and Regional Transportation Planning. (March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lowe, Kate
• Is Part Of: Journal of planning education and research. Volume 34:Number 1(2014:Spring)
• Page Start: 30
• Page End: 44
• Publication Date: 2014-03
• Subjects: environmental justice -- transportation -- metropolitan planning organizations -- equity -- regional planning; Regional planning -- Study and teaching -- United States -- Periodicals; City planning -- Study and teaching -- United States -- Periodicals; 307.12
• DOI: 10.1177/0739456X13519474
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0739-456X

Abstract

Regional planning may require a better understanding of multijurisdictional planning and equity within intergovernmental context. This research explores how intergovernmental context and metropolitan planning organization (MPO) activities impact rail proposals for low-income and minority communities. In two case studies, Boston and Miami, other government agencies determined the projects within MPO plans. In Boston, however, advocates leveraged agreements and federal rules to secure rail, and the MPO has developed extensive equity analyses. The cases exemplify the fiscal paradox that MPOs face—they have fiscally constrained plans but control little funding. Findings indicate the need to better relate multijurisdictional planning ambitions to intergovernmental context.