With mockumentary-style coverage, NPR's John Burnett imagines the trials of a state's secession.
Texas governor and former presidential candidate, Rick Perry, has been known to suggest that independence from the United States might be a favorable option. NPR correspondent, John Burnett, recruits scholars, diplomats and journalists to play along with a thought experiment.
"Texas: Now it is a whole other country - and it's open for business ... C'mon over. Be part of our vibrant free-market nation," a radio ad by the Texas Association of Business might tout. Low taxes, free trade and minimal regulations would be promoted to entice business to world's 15th largest economy.
Political scientist, Cal Jillson, describes foreign-owned plants populating the Texas job market. Immigration reform might allow immigrant workers to travel freely between countries for jobs. Burnett points out that "Texas might see itself as culturally akin to its former fatherland, but as time goes on, the nation's destiny would be determined by its genetic ties to the south."
Within a single generation Texas could easily shift to a predominantly Hispanic demographic, resembling a new Latin American nation more than a rogue frontier cowboy state.
Thanks to Jessica Brent
FULL STORY: Lone Star State of Mind

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