Development in the Arab world is centering on tourism as the area attempts to diversify.
"Recent development in the Persian Gulf countries indicates a shift from a heavy reliance on oil to more economic diversity, reflecting the regions ambition to become a major tourist and financial center. The past four years in particular have seen strong income from high oil prices, which has given the private and public sectors more funds to invest in real estate. Also, the Iraq war has led Arabs to spend more of their leisure time within the region. While Iraqs future remains uncertain, a number of the countrys neighborsDubai and the rest of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E), Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Lebanonare moving ahead with a number of large-scale tourism, commercial, and residential projects."
Thanks to Urban Land Institute
FULL STORY: Beyond Oil

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie