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What Biden’s Plan to Build Back Better Means for Urban Planning
Alex Pope • January 25, 2021
It has been 86 years since FDR issued executive order 7034, which established the WPA, and is responsible for many of our bridges, roads, parks, and the physical connectivity we are all able to enjoy today. However, this was much more than just an infrastructure bill, as it arguably saved a collapsing faith in American democracy, capitalism, and our nations standing in the world. 14 administrations later, our nation is facing an almost identical crisis that forced FDR to take such drastic action. A pandemic that has exposed the cracks in our markets and importance of essential labor, an inflated and unstable housing market, an utter reliance on privatization of goods and services, and a nation that is continuously falling in the world's standing.
The New Deal was flawed, especially in regards to its impact on communities of color, however, it literally and metaphorically paved a new path to a country that was more efficient, connected, and resilient to fluctuation. These improvements lasted for decades, but as we approach nearly 100 years since the last mass-infrastructure bill, its importance grows increasingly evident. Much of the progress and infrastructure created by FDR is facing disrepair, and as other developed nations have grown around us, we are forced to face 21st century problems, with 20th century solutions.
While campaigning for president, Joe Biden announced his plans to launch the largest and most complex American infrastructure bill since FDR’s new deal. The plans are quite similar in principle, with one key distinction, Biden wants to “Build Back Better”, by filling in the systemic gaps left unaccounted for by FDR’s administration. President Biden hopes to pass and launch a $2 trillion dollar infrastructure bill in his first two years in office in order to build a modern, sustainable infrastructure and an equitable clean energy future. There is a lot to unpack in this proposal, but as American’s increasingly urbanize, many of the initiatives will have a major impact on our cities, our housing, and urban planning as a whole.
Transit:
Through the infrastructure bill, President Biden intends to provide every American city with 100,000 or more residents, high-quality, zero-emissions public transit options, likely in the form of BRT and light-rail. He plans on offering this through flexible federal investments that account for well-paid labor in the form of union jobs and labor protections. He wants every community of over 100,000 people to have these projects completed by 2030. This would upgrade/maintain existing rail/bus infrastructure, build new rail/bus infrastructure, and even include provisions for multi-modal pedestrian infrastructure. President Biden has stated that he wants to; “make sure that America has the cleanest, safest, and fastest rail system in the world — for both passengers and freight.” By reducing pollution, connecting workers to good union jobs, slashing commuting times, and spurring investment in communities that will now be better connected, Biden is working to incentive density in clean and sustainable cities. In order to speed up the process, Biden wants to tap existing federal grant and loan programs in the U.S. Department of Transportation, and improve and streamline the loan process. In addition, he wants to work with Amtrak and private freight rail companies to further electrify the rail system, reducing diesel fuel emissions.
What does this mean?
This means that the average American who spends $10,000 a year on their automobile, can potentially save thousands of dollars a year via public transit improvements (Sergeev, 2019). Thousands of dollars a year that can be very beneficial to struggling families working to rise out of financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the years to come. This also means that cities like Indianapolis will no longer have any good excuses not to catch up with the rest of the developed world and provide quality public transit to its citizens. This one initiative alone is likely, if passed, to radically change the way our cities look and operate in the near future.
The subsequent impacts on housing and the demand for affordability, access to public transportation, and the urban environment will likely drive further economic production and development with the institution of modernized transit infrastructure. This would be game-changing for working and middle-class Americans in metropolitan areas, as currently most Americans do not have access to high-quality and zero-emissions options for affordable, reliable public transportation; and where transit exists, it’s often in need of repair. In fact, of 58 developed nations studied by Nat Geo, the United States ranks dead last for transit use
(Benfield, 2009). Research shows this is not necessarily because American’s do not want to use public transit, but because it is incredibly hard to come by if you don’t live in a major metropolitan area. Often if someone does, it is in disrepair, as a Federal Transit Administration report from 2013 estimated that “more than 40% of buses and 25% of rail transit around the U.S. are in marginal or poor condition.”
There are disparities in who relies on access to public transportation as well. The Pew Research Center found that; “Among urban residents, 34% of blacks and 27% of Hispanics report taking public transit daily or weekly, compared with only 14% of whites”
(Anderson, 2020). As displacement spurred by the affordability crisis and gentrification push low-income residents out of the cities they once called home, access to transit will play a crucial role in rebuilding equity. However, planners must be cautious, as reports have shown that transit-oriented-development often leads to or causes gentrification (Turrentine, 2020). Therefore, the role of planners and developers in serving communities that rely on transit the most, will require multifaceted solutions involving affordable housing
as well.
Infrastructure:
President Biden plans on launching several infrastructure initiatives that aim at creating good-paying union jobs through the means of upgrading and building roads, bridges, public green spaces, water systems, green infrastructure, and even universal broadband. The overarching goal is to create sustainable growth and be able to compete in the global economy, as well as address and fight the impact of climate change in the 21st century. Biden has stated that his plan will; “ensure that our infrastructure investments work to address disparities – often along lines of race and class – in access to clean air, clean water, reliable and sustainable transportation, connectivity to high-speed internet, and access to jobs and educational opportunities.”
What does this mean?
This means that urban planners will have an increased role in the new design of our cities through zoning, land use, and housing. Planners will be instrumental in rebuilding our urban landscapes through new infrastructure, financing, and incentives. We must also build back better, and use this tremendous opportunity from both the private and public sector, to correct the errors of the past and work towards a sustainable future.
Buildings:
President Biden plans to upgrade 4 million buildings and weatherize 2 million homes over 4 years through his Build Back Better Initiatives. He also aims to spur the building retrofit and efficient-appliance manufacturing supply chain by funding direct cash rebates and low-cost financing to upgrade and electrify home appliances and install more efficient windows, which will cut residential energy bills. The goal is to utilize existing infrastructure and simply update it to be more efficient, which is arguably one of the most sustainable options. Additionally, there is a plan to build 1.5 million sustainable homes and housing units. Affordability has not yet been mentioned in regards to new housing. Biden also has signaled that he would like to work towards cleanup and revitalization of a significant amount of Brownfields and Superfund sites, transforming them into economic hubs for their surrounding communities.
What does this mean?
This means that potential for urban infill and retrofitting existing underutilized buildings occupying downtowns into sustainable and economically attractive space will factor into decisions regarding tax financing, zoning, and planning of our cities. Instead of strictly being the old or the new, this plan incorporates both, promoting sustainable building initiatives while offering solutions to inefficient existing infrastructure.
Environment:
Biden stated that his initiatives for the environment will work by; “investing in the repair of water pipelines and sewer systems, replacement of lead service pipes, upgrade of treatment plants, and integration of efficiency and water quality monitoring technologies. This includes protecting our watersheds and clean water infrastructure from man-made and natural disasters by conserving and restoring wetlands and developing green infrastructure and natural solutions.” Righting the wrongs created in regards to environmental injustice in marginalized communities is a key focus in Biden’s environmental plan. The proposal sets a goal that disadvantaged communities receive 40% of overall benefits of spending in the areas of clean energy and energy efficiency deployment; clean transit and transportation; affordable and sustainable housing; training and workforce development; remediation and reduction of legacy pollution; and development of critical clean water infrastructure. Biden’s environmental action plan is incredibly detailed and works to solve a plethora of multifaceted issues through action and reparation.
What does this mean?
This means that urban planners will have to acknowledge and accept the fact that much of the environmental injustice created in communities of color was either proposed or allowed by their own departments. We must work to right the wrongs of the past, and use every single tool at our disposal to work to ensure that these communities will become healthy places, economically, socially, and environmentally. Especially considering that people of color live with 66% air pollution than others in urban settings
(Holden, 2019). Of course, this is a direct result of the implementation of Jim-Crow and post Jim-Crow segregation often enforced by Planning Departments and redlining. However, with these new policy proposals, it means that there will be numerous opportunities and tools for planners and developers to build equitably at a lower expense than usual.
What All of This Means
All of this means that urban planners, developers, architects, designers, and everyday Americans are potentially about to have the means and resources to institute a sustainable and equitable national landscape. This will occur in cities, suburbs, and rural areas, and we are about to be presented with the opportunity to change the way they all look, operate, and flourish. In order to not mess this up, we have to analyze the mistakes that have lead to this bills necessity in the first place, in order to ensure that the changes we make, and the cities we build, are able to withstand the ebbs and flow of daily American life, no matter who that American is. This means that the time has finally come for us to actually do what us planners, developers, and architects strived to do all throughout school, until we were faced with the harsh reality of IRR’s and cost analysis.
We can potentially build an idealistic urban landscape for every American who wants it, only if we want it badly enough too.
References
Anderson, M. (2020, May 30). Who relies on public transit in the U.S. Retrieved January 25, 2021, from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/04/07/who-relies-on-public-transit-in-the-u-s/
Benfield, K. (2009). NatGeo surveys countries' transit use: Guess who comes in last. Retrieved January 25, 2021, from https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/ex/sustainablecitiescollective/natgeo-surveys-countries%E2%80%99-transit-use-guess-who-comes-last/9081/
Holden, E. (2019, June 27). People of color live with 66% more air pollution, US study finds. Retrieved January 25, 2021, from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jun/27/us-air-pollution-north-east-mid-atlantic-analysis-union-concerned-scientists
Sergeev, A. (2019, September 13). Average American Now Spends Nearly $800 A Month On Their Car. Retrieved January 25, 2021, from https://www.motor1.com/news/370609/average-american-monthly-car-spendings/
Turrentine, J. (2020, December 04). When Public Transportation Leads to Gentrification. Retrieved January 25, 2021, from https://www.nrdc.org/onearth/when-public-transportation-leads-gentrification
PRT has been working on a series of Missing Middle Housing prototypes that could work on lots in Indy. Here is what could be built on a pair of lots in Fountain Square versus what is currently allowed under zoning. Indy should really ban these sort of minimum lot sizes in the compact zone. This design concept is simply a bungalow court which allows 6 dwelling units atop .4 acres. Currently, the lots are two single family homes. If we want to address housing supply + affordability, our lots should stop letting these behemoth SFH from taking up valuable urban space. Technically, you *could* build this. But before you even start digging, you'll be forced to pay several thousand dollars in variances. For many micro-developers, it simply doesn't make sense financially to take on that risk. What do you think?
We are all a part of something bigger than ourselves. This is something we recognize at PRT. PRT was founded just a couple months ago in Muncie, Indiana. Our team is small and consists of three urban planners with big ideas. We believe the Midwest’s cities are special places with tremendous potential. As a small business founded in the face of unprecedented crises in the most chaotic year of a lifetime, PRT is ready to do our part. The 2020’s are going to be a time of positive change in the Midwestern cities. The 2020 census has indicated that urban areas like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Columbus, Cincinnati, Louisville, Des Moines, Madison, and Grand Rapids are among the only areas in the Midwest that have increased population since 2010. This is undoubtedly thanks in part to the relentless work of the urban planners who came before us and reformed municipal code in the past decade to reflect high quality spaces in the form of New Urbanism. As cities look towards the 2030 census, they must begin to rethink urban places to be more accountable, accessible, and go beyond the standard set by New Urbanism. 2020 was not a great year. The convergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, unnatural wildfires in both hemispheres, and protests across America is no coincidence. 2020 taught us we all must do our part. On the horizon, planners and cities will have to tackle numerous challenges. How do cities create places that improve racial equity, climate resiliency, and accessibility? Do new developments better or worsen the Affordability Crisis? Who benefits from tax incentive programs? Are lower income neighborhoods receiving the same amenities than high income neighborhoods? At PRT, we understand the importance of planning and design as it relates to the economy, our community, and the environment. Through thoughtful placemaking, our team believes we can help solve some of the big issues that have plagued the cities we love. Together, we can all be a part of making 2021 an awesome year packed full of positive change and growth. This blog will serve as a space for our team members to frequently post about current events, projects, and urban issues. We hope we can provide insight while fostering conversation and community. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more content soon! Oh, and its pronounced, “PART.” Part planning. Part design.