The city has indicated this is the last time it will extend a permit for a drive-thru at a McDonald’s restaurant as it transitions to supporting a denser, more walkable downtown environment.

The drive-thru window at a downtown Dallas McDonald’s fast food restaurant will stay open an additional two years after the City Plan Commission approved a temporary renewal of the company’s permit. “This decision highlights the broader debate between urban development goals and the practical needs of businesses in a changing downtown environment.”
According to The Dallas Express, critics say the drive-thru is not in line with the city’s goal to make downtown more walkable and dense. The article notes that the restaurant is a popular, affordable option for workers in the area, but city officials say it could continue operating successfully without the drive-thru. “The franchisee is encouraged to adapt and find ways to keep the business viable without the drive-thru, in line with downtown Dallas’ future vision of a more walkable, dense urban area.”
FULL STORY: McDonald’s Drive-Thru In Downtown Dallas May Stay Open For Two More Years Amid City Vision Debate

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.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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