The 33-mile trail will connect 14 neighborhoods and numerous community amenities around downtown Jacksonville.

The first section of Jacksonville’s Emerald Trail opened earlier this month, connecting the Brooklyn neighborhood to the S-Line rail trail through the historic LaVilla neighborhood, reports local news outlet 104.5 WOKV.
When complete, the 33.8, $184 million project will connect 14 neighborhoods, linking 16 schools, two colleges, and 21 parks, among other destinations like restaurants, retail and businesses; an additional 13 schools and 17 parks located within three blocks, according to the city’s nonprofit partner Groundwork Jacksonville. Funding for the project includes a $147 million U.S. Department of Transportation neighborhood access and equity grant and $37 million of local match funds from the city, generated through a local gas tax increase in 2021.
According to the project’s master plan, Jacksonville leaders chose to pursue the project in part to make the city more attractive for new employers and the young, educated employees they seek to hire. The Emerald Trail is expected to be completed by 2030.
FULL STORY: Jacksonville officials open first part of Emerald Trail

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