The city of Covington in Kentucky is working on street improvements on key downtown streets in the hopes of attracting new business to the area.

"The public will get its first detailed look and chance to comment next week on new streetscape designs for Madison Avenue and Seventh Street aimed at complementing private investment by improving both the aesthetics and function of those downtown streets," reports Dan Hassert for the city of Covington, Kentucky.
"The proposed work includes moving utilities underground; enhancing curbs, gutters, and sidewalks; reducing maintenance of traffic signals by putting them on 'mast arms' instead of wires; resurfacing streets; and adding trees, plants and decorative street lights," according to Hassert.
The streetscape improvements are being pitched as an economic development strategy for the city's primary business district, according to the article. "The goal is to improve the look, 'feel,' and walkability of Covington’s primary business district to make it more inviting to prospective businesses and talent."
The city has undertaken similar street redesign work for the same economic development purposes on Madison Avenue, Scott Boulevard, and Sixth Street.
FULL STORY: Streetscape designs go before the public

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)