How can a three-day design workshop make a difference? Be a strong local partner able to convene community. Rob Steuteville at CNU Public Square shares lessons learned.

"CNU partnered with a strong nonprofit, the Center for Neighborhoods, on a highly productive Legacy Project to restore and reimagine the future of Woodlawn Avenue, the commercial heart of the Beechmont neighborhood in Louisville, Kentucky."
“'In three days, we got to the point of fully focusing on implementation, all because of the local partners on the ground,' says Susan Henderson of PlaceMakers, LLC, who led the Legacy workshop. Based in Louisville, CFN has the trust of the merchants and the community—propelling the event with a clear vision based on public outreach, Henderson says."
"The plan from the design charrette was organized around six strong community goals: Develop inclusive identity, reuse historic buildings, encourage small-scale development, enhance connectivity, improve pedestrian safety, and support local business. Highlights of the plan included a creative solution for a deadly intersection, ideas for boosting the identity and capacity of the main street, opportunities for historical rehabilitation and new infill construction, and practical placemaking for new and renewed public spaces."
Steuteville shares some essentials on what made this little volunteer effort so effective, which may be particularly pertinent for this point in the economic cycle.
FULL STORY: Main street as a microcosm of the world

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