The City of Phoenix decides to become a hotel developer to address the demand for hotel rooms downtown and generate business.
"Experts say more cities are constructing hotels with city debt because it is extremely difficult to find private developers who can make such a project economically feasible into today's market. Municipalities, using tax-exempt financing, can often get extraordinarily low interest rates, which means the hotels don't have to make as much money to break even or turn a profit."
Thanks to Ambar Mukherjee
FULL STORY: Phoenix may try to build a downtown hotel itself

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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