In an effort to curb panhandling, the mayor of Omaha introduces ordinance to make it illegal to be on some thin medians.
"Mayor Jean Stothert would ban people from being on certain types of medians at many intersections for any reason except for crossing the street or doing construction work," Emily Nohr and Christopher Burbach write in Omaha World Herald. While this ordinance will affect panhandlers, it does not mention begging directly. "By prohibiting people generally from those medians, Stothert and city attorneys hope to avoid concerns about potential violations of First Amendment rights," Nohr and Burbach write. For her part, Mayor Stothert contends the ordinance is about safety.
Mayor Stothert's ordinance is one of a growing number of laws and rules around the country aimed at criminalizing panhandling and homelessness.
FULL STORY: Mayor Stothert proposes ordinance to ban people from narrow medians at some of Omaha’s busiest intersections
Omaha Homeless Services Providers Struggle to Keep Up
With the worst of winter weather ahead, shelter providers say there are not enough beds to meet the rising rate of homelessness in the city.
Panhandling Bans Draw Free Speech Criticism
Civil liberties advocates say prohibitions supposedly based on safety unfairly target unhoused people.
Tiny House Movement Arrives in Omaha
A tiny house village has been approved for a location in Downtown Omaha. When complete, the new homes will provide stability and shelter for the formerly unhoused.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service