A record of decision is expected soon for a plan to build a freeway connector through the neighborhood of Allendale in Shreveport, Louisiana.

An article by TW Starr Timothy Magner provides an update on the I-49 Inner-City Connector Project that is expected soon for a record of decision, setting the stage for a showdown for groups on either side of the issue.
"The I-49 Inner City Connector will be a new interstate facility approximately 3.6 miles in length. It is proposed to intersect Shreveport in order to connect I-49 at the I-20 interchange with I-49 North in the vicinity of the I-220 interchange, according to the Northwest Louisiana Council of Governments website for the project.
The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce is rolling out a marketing campaign in support of the project. Timothy Magner, president of the chamber, is quoted in the article touting the benefits of the project for the business community.
A coalition in the Allendale neighborhood of Shreveport called Allendale Strong is mobilizing grassroots opposition to the project. "The folks with Allendale Strong would prefer a route they are calling a business boulevard be built that would connect with North Market Street and go up to I-220," explains Starr.
Allendale is a historic Black neighborhood defined by poverty in contemporary times. As noted by a January Wall Street Journal article written by Howard Husock, Allendale was the home of legendary musician Lead Belly, among numerous other cultural and economic contributions through its history.
FULL STORY: Battle to build I-49 Inner-City Connector heating up in 2021

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?

Portland Raises Parking Fees to Pay for Street Maintenance
The city is struggling to bridge a massive budget gap at the Bureau of Transportation, which largely depleted its reserves during the Civd-19 pandemic.

Spokane Mayor Introduces Housing Reforms Package
Mayor Lisa Brown’s proposals include deferring or waiving some development fees to encourage more affordable housing development.

Houston Mayor Kills Another Bike Lane
The mayor rejected a proposed bike lane in the Montrose district in keeping with his pledge to maintain car lanes.
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont