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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP

@mrc-slc.bsky.social
789 followers 396 following 3.5K posts

Executive Director of the UtahRPA.org, home of @LinkUtah.org. Member of @cnunewurbanism.bsky.social, @strongtowns.org, and @railpassengers.org.

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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 7h
Rose Park mixed-use project gets SLC Planning Commission approval buildingsaltlake.com/rose-park-mi... via @buildingsaltlake.bsky.social and @jacobscholl.bsky.social
buildingsaltlake.com
Rose Park mixed-use project gets SLC Planning Commission approval - Building Salt Lake
Plans to build a mixed-use project with apartments and retail spaces in Rose Park won approval from the Salt Lake City Planning Commission.
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 7h
Talking Headways Podcast: Architecture’s Role in Population Decline usa.streetsblog.org/2026/10/01/t... via @usa.streetsblog.org and @theoverheadwire.com
usa.streetsblog.org
Talking Headways Podcast: Architecture’s Role in Population Decline — Streetsblog USA
Good design is great, but if you can't afford it, you can't have babies. A very special edition of the podcast.
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 7h
Steal This Idea: ‘Emergency Streets’ Strategy Gets First Real-World Pilot usa.streetsblog.org/2026/10/01/s... via @usa.streetsblog.org and @keawilson.bsky.social
usa.streetsblog.org
Steal This Idea: 'Emergency Streets' Strategy Gets First Real-World Pilot — Streetsblog USA
A talked-about road safety strategy just had its debut in Spoken, Washington – and it inspired some strong community reactions.
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 7h
Thursday’s Headlines Pollute the Air and Pay for the Privilege usa.streetsblog.org/2026/10/01/f... via @usa.streetsblog.org and @blakeaued.bsky.social
usa.streetsblog.org
Thursday's Headlines Pollute the Air and Pay for the Privilege — Streetsblog USA
President Trump wants to accelerate climate change and force motorists to spend more on gas all at the same time.
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 7h
How to Use the ‘Emergency Streets’ Strategy to Move From ‘Crash Response’ to System Change usa.streetsblog.org/2026/10/01/h... via @usa.streetsblog.org
usa.streetsblog.org
How to Use the 'Emergency Streets' Strategy to Move From 'Crash Response' to System Change — Streetsblog USA
A deeper look at the inner workings of the 'Emergency Streets' process, and how it could lead to lasting change.
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
Rail Passengers Association @railpassengers.org · 30/09/2026
The Orange County (FL) commissioners' ultimate plan is to have 1 in 3 residents living within a 15-min walk from a bus, light rail, or train.
twp.ai
www.clickorlando.com
Orange County commissioners to consider rapid transit plan
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
FOX 12 Oregon @fox12oregon.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Amtrak debuts first new Airo trains in Northwest
kptv.com
Amtrak debuts first new Airo trains in Northwest
Amtrak’s first Airo trainsets entered service Wednesday on the Amtrak Cascades line, launching four daily trips between Oregon, Washington, and Canada.
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
Cascadia Daily News @cascadiadaily.com · 30/09/2026
Passengers and onlookers at Fairhaven Station on Wednesday morning eagerly awaited the arrival of the new Airo train, which went into service today for the first time. Eventually, the entire Amtrak Cascades fleet will be replaced.
cascadiadaily.com
Passengers, train buffs witness the dawn of the 'Airo era' in Fairhaven | Cascadia Daily News
New Amtrak Cascades trainsets take maiden service voyage up and down coast
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
Justin Franz @justinfranz.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
A new era in American passenger rail is underway in the Pacific Northwest this week as @amtrak.com's first Airo train enters service on the Cascades route. My latest for Railway Age Magazine www.railwayage.com/passenger/in...
railwayage.com
Amtrak Airo Debuts in Pacific Northwest
A new era in American passenger rail travel is getting under way this week as the first of 83 Siemens Mobility-built “Airo” trainsets enters service on Amtrak’s Cascades route in […]
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
AORTA Transit @aortarail.org · 01/10/2026
Our members and volunteers rode along with @amtrakcascades.wsdot.wa.gov to commemorate the first Airo train to depart Portland for Eugene today. Here are our first impressions:
A group photo of four male train passengers at a table seating on an Amtrak Cascades trainA photo of the commemorative ticket handed out to passengers for the first day of Airo service.
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
AORTA Transit @aortarail.org · 01/10/2026
Today @amtrak.com debuted their first Airo trains on @amtrakcascades.wsdot.wa.gov! We are excited to welcome our beloved train line here in the PNW into a new era of passenger rail.
A photo of passengers boarding at Portland Union Station in front of a new Airo train cab car.
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
Amtrak Cascades @amtrakcascades.wsdot.wa.gov · 30/09/2026
Today's the day! Jump on Trains 503, 508, 516 and 519 to enjoy the new Amtrak Cascades trains. Super comfy seats. Tray tables in Triplicate - not even kidding! Adjustable cupholders. There is nothing like that new train smell.💚🤎🤍
A shiny new green, mocha and cream-colored train sits at a station on a sunny day.
A pair of comfy business class seats are on either side of a narrow table aboard a new Amtrak Cascades Train. 
The interior of the cafe onboard the new Amtrak Cascade trains. Self-service options are visible, as is staff working behind the counter to provide hot food. The cafe is spacious and accessible.
A look down the aisle of coach class, which includes accessible seating areas for passengers using wheelchairs. The seats are gray and the room around them is spacious.
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
Solutionary Rail @solutionaryrail.bsky.social · 8h
Our friends at @publicrailnow.bsky.social have created an easy way for you to anonymously voice your opposition to the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern rail mega-merger! Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vas... Submit a comment: publicrailnow.org/merger-resou...
publicrailnow.org
Submit a Comment Opposing the UP–NS Merger
Home > Research > Merger Resources Submit a Comment: Oppose the UP–NS Merger Home > Research > Merger Resources   We understand that some railroaders may need or want to submit their comment confident...
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
RAIL Magazine @railmag.bsky.social · 12h
The bottom of this article notes another study on Austin-San Antonio passenger rail, this time by Travis County, on the corridors potential economic benefit...
kut.org
Travis County's $2.3B budget funds mental healthcare, natural disasters and another rail study
Travis County's budget went up 4% this year, but some people will pay a little less in taxes. Someone with a home valued at $372,633 will pay $1,439 in property taxes to the county — about $30 less th...
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 8h
Front page in Philipsburg 🚆 Thanks to the Silver State Post & Philipsburg Mail for covering our Sept. 17 Granite County conversation. Next up: Corridor ID planning to decide stations, routes and operator. bigskyrailmt.gov/news/silver-state-post-granite-county
Front-page clipping from the Sept. 23-24, 2026 Silver State Post & Philipsburg Mail. Headline: "Rail authority outlines route, station, service proposals for Granite," by Luke Ulatowski. Photo shows BSPRA Chair Dave Strohmaier presenting at the Philipsburg Public Library.Page 2 continuation of the Silver State Post & Philipsburg Mail article, headed "BSPRA, From page 1," covering Strohmaier's remarks on common questions about the project and how residents in different states respond to passenger rail.
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
Pat Bagley @bagleycartoons.bsky.social · 22h
It’s not the division that’s tearing America apart It’s the lies
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
Urban Truth Collective @urbantruth.bsky.social · 23h
Important new video telling the #UrbanTruth about city streets we should never have accepted as “normal,” by our UTC collaborator @reenamahajan.bsky.social in Paris. Please watch and share. We don’t have to keep these streets.
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
Urban Truth Collective @urbantruth.bsky.social · 23h
READ: Time to end the REAL war in our cities! “The road lobby’s war on walking, cycling, and transit have continued profitably for more than a century. The time has come for peace.” A NEW article on the #WarOnWalking by @grantennis.bsky.social @brenttoderian.bsky.social, and @tomflood.bsky.social
transportxtra.com
A time for peace: End the war on walking, cycling, and trans
The war on the motorist and 15-minute conspiracy theories are fiction. The truth is that there is a war on walking, cycling, and transit that has made a one-hou
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
SLC moving ahead with Leonardo renovation plan for office space, youth services buildingsaltlake.com/slc-moving-a... via @buildingsaltlake.bsky.social and @jacobscholl.bsky.social
buildingsaltlake.com
SLC moving ahead with Leonardo renovation plan for office space, youth services - Building Salt Lake
Salt Lake City is planning to renovate and overhaul the former Leonardo museum into city office space and other city uses.
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Amazon Delivery Drivers Routinely Speed, Block Bus And Bike Lanes nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/09/30/a... via @nyc.streetsblog.org and @davecolon.bsky.social
nyc.streetsblog.org
Amazon Delivery Drivers Routinely Speed, Block Bus And Bike Lanes - Streetsblog New York City
Amazon delivery drivers have racked up thousands of serious traffic violations in New York City, according to city data.
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Wednesday’s Headlines Remain Deadly by Design usa.streetsblog.org/2026/09/30/w... via @usa.streetsblog.org and @blakeaued.bsky.social
usa.streetsblog.org
Wednesday's Headlines Remain Deadly by Design — Streetsblog USA
Congress should tie transportation funding to measurable improvements in safety, says Transportation for America.
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Op-Ed: The Problem with Trump’s DC Golf Course Takeover Isn’t What You Think usa.streetsblog.org/2026/09/30/o... via @usa.streetsblog.org and @mehulgupta.bsky.social
usa.streetsblog.org
Op-Ed: The Problem with Trump's DC Golf Course Takeover Isn't What You Think — Streetsblog USA
Many advocates of walkable communities loathe urban golf courses. One urbanist argues that with good policy, his DC course can be the exception to the rule — if the Trump administration doesn't ruin i...
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
What We Owe the Place We Call Home. Loving a city means caring for what we inherit and sharing the work of leaving it better. www.strongtowns.org/journal/2026... via @strongtowns.org and @jjacquay.bsky.social
strongtowns.org
What We Owe the Place We Call Home | Strong Towns
Loving a city means caring for what we inherit and sharing the work of leaving it better.
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
Rail Passengers Association @railpassengers.org · 30/09/2026
The Rail Passengers team is starting to arrive in Toledo as we prepare to welcome over 200 advocates, elected officials, and industry leaders to RailNation this weekend.
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
Rail Passengers Association @railpassengers.org · 30/09/2026
The machine's 1-year, 5,100-foot journey is set to begin soon
twp.ai
www.trains.com
Ceremonies mark start of Hudson River Tunnel boring - Trains
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 30/09/2026
Frustrated with the slow progress on CAHSR? Apparently the California legislature isn't, given all bills to speed up progress died this year. Why isn't California's signature infrastructure project a priority? calmatters.org/politics/202...
calmatters.org
California’s high-speed rail authority made a legislative wishlist. It mostly stalled out
California’s bullet train agency said timely construction of the rail line depended on these reforms. They mostly failed.
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
Pat Bagley @bagleycartoons.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
Urban Truth Collective @urbantruth.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Never forget, when it comes to whether or not a collision happens, and whether or not someone is killed or injured, speed is ALWAYS a factor. #UrbanTruth #SpeedKills
Background shows a collision involving cars and drivers. Texting quotes says “speed wasn’t a factor” which is what police and media often say when someone wasn’t obviously speeding, even when the speed limit is too high. Bottom tag line says “Speed is always a factor.” Via the Urban Truth Collective.
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
Pat Bagley @bagleycartoons.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
It is what Schmitt imagines he would have done Schmitt can’t imagine a man being honorable for its own sake
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Granary District building demolished after three-alarm fire buildingsaltlake.com/granary-dist... via @buildingsaltlake.bsky.social and @taylorwanderson.bsky.social
buildingsaltlake.com
A Vacant Building in the Granary District Burned to the Ground
The building is part of a larger assemblage owned by the development company Gardner Batt, though there are no public plans for redevelopment.
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Intermountain seeks skybridge over Main Street for hospital garage buildingsaltlake.com/intermountai... via @buildingsaltlake.bsky.social and @taylorwanderson.bsky.social
buildingsaltlake.com
New Intermountain Hospital Would Put a Skybridge Over Main Street
The healthcare company is working through the entitlement process for its plan to relocate LDS Hospital within Salt Lake City.
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
Urban Truth Collective @urbantruth.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
From our collaborator @nondriver.bsky.social. Important perspective. #WeekWithoutDriving #UrbanTruth
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
To save the farm, Cross E Ranch owners want to sell part of it for housing buildingsaltlake.com/to-save-the-... via @buildingsaltlake.bsky.social and @taylorwanderson.bsky.social
buildingsaltlake.com
To save the farm, Cross E Ranch owners want to sell part of it for housing - Building Salt Lake
The family behind the popular fall festival would move north of Center Street and put about 150 acres under long-term protection in exchange for multifamily zoning.
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Advocates Warn Short-Term Transit Cuts Could Foreshadow Deeper Long-Term Slashing usa.streetsblog.org/2026/09/29/a... via @usa.streetsblog.org and @keawilson.bsky.social
usa.streetsblog.org
Advocates Warn Short-Term Transit Cuts Could Foreshadow Deeper Long-Term Slashing — Streetsblog USA
A deeper dive on the transit cuts in the latest federal transportation extension bill – and how advocates are fighting back.
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
We Don’t Need to Ban Pick Up Trucks to Take Action on Vehicle Safety usa.streetsblog.org/2026/09/29/w... via @usa.streetsblog.org and @schmangee.bsky.social
usa.streetsblog.org
We Don't Need to Ban Pick Up Trucks to Take Action on Vehicle Safety — Streetsblog USA
There’s so much middle ground and low hanging fruit as far as reducing deaths and injuries caused by super large consumer vehicles. Here are three modest safety half-measures that should be a no-brain...
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Tuesday’s Headlines Look to the Future usa.streetsblog.org/2026/09/29/t... via @usa.streetsblog.org and @blakeaued.bsky.social
usa.streetsblog.org
Tuesday's Headlines Look to the Future — Streetsblog USA
Obviously, what we're doing in the U.S. transportation-wise isn't working so well. So what does the future hold?
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Monday’s Headlines Get Schooled usa.streetsblog.org/2026/09/28/m... via @usa.streetsblog.org and @blakeaued.bsky.social
usa.streetsblog.org
Monday's Headlines Get Schooled — Streetsblog USA
School districts are having second thoughts about electric buses, but not about building schools where kids can't walk or bike.
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Transportation Reform Has an Imagination Problem usa.streetsblog.org/2026/09/28/t... via @usa.streetsblog.org and @keawilson.bsky.social
usa.streetsblog.org
Transportation Reform Has an Imagination Problem — Streetsblog USA
How can we make our cities less dependent on cars if our neighbors can't even imagine themselves getting on the bus?
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The Rise of No-Mobiles: Lessons from a Frozen City nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/09/28/t... via @nyc.streetsblog.org
nyc.streetsblog.org
The Rise of No-Mobiles: Lessons from a Frozen City - Streetsblog New York City
New Yorkers’ widespread disdain for nomobiles raises a crucial question: If hundreds of thousands of vehicles went offline for multiple weeks without halting everyday life, what role do privately owne...
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Florida Neighbors Stage Ribbon Cutting For New Bike Lane usa.streetsblog.org/2026/09/28/f... via @usa.streetsblog.org and @renzaro.com
usa.streetsblog.org
Florida Neighbors Stage Ribbon Cutting For New Bike Lane — Streetsblog USA
A citizen-led ribbon cutting for a new Miami Beach bike lane drew dozens of neighbors, exposing incompatible priorities from local electeds.
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Friday Video: What ‘A Week Without Driving’ Costs usa.streetsblog.org/2026/09/25/f... via @usa.streetsblog.org
usa.streetsblog.org
Friday Video: What 'A Week Without Driving' Costs — Streetsblog USA
...and what you could get back in exchange, at least if you lived in a city with good mobility alternatives.
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The Interstates Did Not Need Villains; They Had Criteria usa.streetsblog.org/2026/09/25/t... via @usa.streetsblog.org
usa.streetsblog.org
The Interstates Did Not Need Villains; They Had Criteria — Streetsblog USA
"Ask what your region's decision rule rewards. Then ask what it has no way to count."
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Friday’s Headlines Are Shockingly Expensive usa.streetsblog.org/2026/09/25/f... via @usa.streetsblog.org and @blakeaued.bsky.social
usa.streetsblog.org
Friday's Headlines Are Shockingly Expensive — Streetsblog USA
The 10 most costly highway projects in the U.S. all cost over half a billion dollars per mile.
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Advocates Skeptical About Waymo’s ‘Transit Rewards’ Program sf.streetsblog.org/2026/09/24/a... via @streetsblogsf.bsky.social
sf.streetsblog.org
Advocates Skeptical About Waymo's 'Transit Rewards' Program - Streetsblog San Francisco
It could do some good for regional rail, but advocates stress this isn't a substitute for good bus service
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Your Sewer System Is Probably Not Full. What peak flow can teach us about building more housing with the infrastructure we already have. www.strongtowns.org/journal/2026... via @strongtowns.org and @clmarohn.bsky.social
strongtowns.org
Your Sewer System Is Probably Not Full | Strong Towns
What peak flow can teach us about building more housing with the infrastructure we already have.
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Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP @mrc-slc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Anyone Can Complain, but Fewer Show Up With Paint. Showing up to city hall costs a few minutes and the adrenaline of speaking in public. Sweat equity is a different currency. www.strongtowns.org/journal/2026... via @strongtowns.org
strongtowns.org
Anyone Can Complain, but Fewer Show Up With Paint | Strong Towns
Showing up to city hall costs a few minutes and the adrenaline of speaking in public. Sweat equity is a different currency.
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
Rail Passengers Association @railpassengers.org · 29/09/2026
Local coverage of our weekend event in Toledo
twp.ai
www.13abc.com
Toledo to host national rail conference focused on Midwest passenger rail
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
Rail Passengers Association @railpassengers.org · 29/09/2026
To call the Borealis a success would be an absolute understatement.
twp.ai
www.wkow.com
Borealis train surpasses 500,000 riders since launching between St. Paul and Chicago
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
Rail Passengers Association @railpassengers.org · 29/09/2026
ICYMI: Year-to-date ridership and revenue are up, but funding issues and debt have pulled Brightline down into bankruptcy court.
twp.ai
www.trains.com
Brightline bankruptcy structured to ensure service, growth continue: Analysis - Trains
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Reposted by Mike Christensen, MCMP, CNU-A, AICP
Rail Passengers Association @railpassengers.org · 28/09/2026
"We know ridership and revenues are breaking records each year, but isn't Amtrak artificially limiting the supply of seats by keeping rolling stock out of service? Can we find out how many passenger seats were available 10 or 20 years ago compared to this year? At least on average?" 1/2
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