Penn IUR's Eugenie Birch, Richard Voith and Susan Wachter ask: Can rapidly urbanizing cities in low and moderate income countries become "smarter"?

A flurry of attention to the varied applications labeled “smart cities” is occurring with growing frequency. Smart cities discussions are turning into smarter cities dialogues among public and private decision-makers, the interested public, researchers and many others. The result is a re-thinking of the subject. Many observers who once considered the use of advanced technology as the domain of high income places are now looking at its use more broadly (in low and moderate income places) and more “smartly” (adapted to local contexts and stakeholder needs).
FULL STORY: Can Rapidly Urbanizing Cities in Low and Moderate Income Countries Become Smarter?

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
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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.
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