The idea of a casino in Chicago didn't sound like a good idea to a state-hire consultant, nor does it seem like the city's Pulitzer Prize winning architecture critic likes the idea either.

Blair Kamin, Meghan Kelly,Ryan Ori, and Mary Wisniewski report on the ongoing sage of the potential for a casino to be located in Chicago, a controversial issue and one of the main new items so far in the tenure of new Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
According to the article, the mayor is considering five potential sites, but a state-hired consultant has determined that the tax structure in Chicago will doom any casino to fail.
The Tribune did their own analysis of the five sites, all located on the South and West sides of the city, reflecting "Lightfoot's campaign pledge to direct economic developments to economically struggling areas of the city."
To provide a deeper understanding of the sites, Tribune researchers and reporters assembled data that focuses on characteristics like transportation (average daily traffic counts on nearby expressways, for example) and neighborhood characteristics such as average household income and crime levels. We also assessed whether each site has the support of its local alderman and gauged the overall size of the gambling market in northern Illinois and northern Indiana.
The article then provides specific details of the analysis for each of the five sites: Harborside, Michael Reese, Pershing and State, Roosevelt and Kostner, and U.S. Steel.
Kamin followed up the big feature article with a column suggesting (with "tongue planted firmly in cheek") suggestions for a casino in Chicago. The seriousness of that endeavor, and Kaimn's opinion of the idea, can be spotted instantly, with recommendations like: "Have President Donald Trump or family members running his business turn the perpetually vacant retail space at the bottom of his Chicago skyscraper into a casino. Never mind that Trump bankrupted his Atlantic City casinos."
FULL STORY: Column: A consultant disses Lightfoot’s casino sites. Now what?

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.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
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