After many, many, many failures-to-launch, Auckland may finally be taking its waterfront seriously. A series of articles in The New Zealand Herald explores the waterfront's disappointing past and promising future.
Waterfront redevelopment has been a hot topic for decades in urban planning and development, and recently on the pages of Planetizen (see Washington, D.C., Seattle, Toronto, Manhattan, and even Lagos). With one of the most scenic urban waterfronts in the world, Auckland is hoping to join the above list. Despite a laundry list of failed developments and propositions, the city is finally looking to take its waterfront seriously. "'The waterfront is ready. It has been forever,' said Auckland Architecture Association spokesman Adam Mercer," reports The New Zealand Herald's Michael Dickison.
"What was required to create a vibrant waterfront was a long-term directive pushing activity to the harbour edge - something Auckland has only recently started to take seriously," [Mercer] said. "Auckland must continue to find the courage to let good architecture and urban design take the stage.'"
FULL STORY: City has a history of missing the boat

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
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie