Mayor John Street's Wireless Philadelphia initiative aims to provided high-speed Internet access across the city. Critics see a 'virtual quagmire'.
Today municipal Wi-Fi networks carry the same cachet as swanky sports stadiums and convention centers. Cities are betting big bucks that low-cost Web access will attract tech-savvy businesses, encourage tourism and project a hip image capable of wooing young professionals.
...Urban planner Scott Page [Editor's note: Scott Page is also contributes to the Planetizen Tech Talk blog] says it's naive to believe Wi-Fi is a practical tool for attracting young professionals. 'I'm not going to move to Philadelphia because it has Wi-Fi. People move because of social and business contacts.'
Page, who developed a technology plan for North Philadelphia, champions the broad Wi-Fi initiative. But he hopes the city will perceive wireless technology 'as an opportunity to reinforce what's unique about our neighborhoods--and not homogenize our city.' "
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: Down to the Wire
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