Reconnecting America has completed an analysis of the economic and workforce development impacts of Denver's Southeast Rail Line and concluded that the 6-year-old light rail line has only supplemented what is already there, instead of acting as a driver of economic opportunity for residents of the region. This is the first in a series of reports by the Mile High Connects examining the opportunities and challenges of connecting middle-skill workers to economic opportunities through improved transit service and is meant to inform the planning of current and future transit corridors in the Denver region.

Statement of John Robert Smith, President and CEO of Reconnecting America, on the Administration's Proposed FY14 Budget: "In the Administration's recently released budget for Fiscal Year 2014, we were pleased to see a call for continued investment in the infrastructure we need to provide all Americans with transportation choices. Taken together, the $50 billion investment upfront and longer-term initiatives like the National Infrastructure Bank are designed to improve transit systems, rail lines, roadways and bridges, and other transportation modes nationwide. Encouraging innovation is at the root of America's values, therefore the amounts set aside within the Department of Transportation's budget for competitive multimodal programs and initiatives to attract private investment are particularly noteworthy. "These initiatives will build on the core programs that keep our transportation systems safe and productive. We are pleased that the President has requested full funding for…

Spartanburg, South Carolina, has a classic American history like many cities in the south. The region is naturally rich in resources and fertile farmland, and they profited heavily from the many cotton mills dotting the riverbanks of Spartanburg during the post-civil war era. Spartanburg’s position as a transportation hub earned it the nickname “Hub City” and brought even more profitability to the region as goods were delivered across the country. In the midst of the conflicts and movements of the 20th century, the city suffered the loss of its textile industry and has been working ever since to reinvent itself. In the 1990s, Spartanburg won large international contracts that laid the framework for a new type of economic prosperity; it is now the headquarters for BMW and other multinational companies.  

Reconnecting America President and CEO John Robert Smith issued the following response to President Obama's State of the Union address:

Reconnecting America President and CEO John Robert Smith today announced the appointment of Peter J. "Jack" Basso to the organization's Board of Directors.

Reconnecting America today released an updated version of its Jumpstarting the Transit Space Race interactive map, which documents the national interest in fixed-guideway transit. The fresh data show demand for transit development is even greater than when the first Space Race report was released in October 2008.

What is a Complete Community? What is an Opportunity Area? Reconnecting America has added a Frequently Asked Questions summary to the Are We There Yet? website. Topics covered include:

Reconnecting America Policy Director Sarah Kline and Program Associate Bill Sadler will be participating in the 12th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference Feb. 6-10 in Kansas City, MO.