This editorial calls on the governments of Portland, Oregon, and its intimately-connected neighbor, Vancouver, Washington, to expand the reach of the metropolitan planning agency whose jurisdiction ends at the border between the two cities.
"In 1978, Oregon voters created Metro, still the only directly elected metropolitan planning organization in the United States. Its responsibilities include growth management, transportation planning and greenspace administration. We can't envisage three more critical, and more connected, responsibilities. Yet Metro's jurisdiction ends at the Columbia River. The result: Clark County, which still seems more adept at producing suburbs than salaries, continues to serve as the relief valve for the Oregon metropolis. That's why some 60,000 of its citizens commute to the Portland area each day, accounting for almost half the traffic crossing the Interstate Bridge."
"This can't continue. The time has come for officials on both sides of the river to begin talking about Washington voters directly electing representatives to the Metro Council. Legislatures in Salem and Olympia need to craft a plan that could win quick approval from congressional delegations."
FULL STORY: Tale of two cities: a romance novel

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie