Chicago will use the 'green-town' concept to bring economic revitalization to a distressed area.
"Chicago officials have a plan for turning the Garfield Park Conservatory into a West Side economic engine: create a "green town" of landscaping businesses on a corridor near the park to fill vacant lots and provide jobs for residents...." The effort comes in response to a study that concludes that despite the success of luring thousands to the conservatory last year, it "failed to turn the windfall into lasting economic benefits for the West Side"--a low-income, high crime area. Officials hope that "a mile-long green town will capitalize on the conservatory's emphasis on plants and make Lake Street, from East Garfield Park toward downtown, a horticultural hub....National park organizations say a similar concept has revitalized areas around parks across the country, where farmers markets are set up on the periphery and attract other businesses....the farmers market idea also has helped grow businesses around parks in Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Atlanta, and Baltimore." LISC will work with the City to help attract green-town businesses, in addition to improving housing, health care and other business development in the area.
Thanks to Connie Chung
FULL STORY: City works to widen conservatory's reach

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.
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