A seven-block stretch downtown will remain closed to cars after the success of a pandemic-era outdoor dining program.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Houston closed a portion of its Main Street to cars in an effort to make room for outdoor dining and support local restaurants and businesses. Last week, the city council unanimously voted to keep the street permanently closed to vehicles, reports Michael Murney in the Houston Chronicle.
According to Chief Transportation Planner David Fields, “We surveyed the businesses. All of them said this was exactly what they wanted.” Fields said the program let local businesses add a total of 154 seats on outdoor patios.
The city wants to replicate the program in other parts of the city where local businesses express interest.
FULL STORY: Houston is closing a stretch of downtown's Main Street for good

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
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions