The City of Chicago will work with local banks to develop strategies to 'help families avoid losing their homes to foreclosure.'
Mayor Daley of Chicago will announce, The Homeownership Preservation Initiative, which will not only work with 20 local financial institutions to explore ways to avoid foreclosures, but also "reclaim 300 vacant, foreclosed properties, turning them back into viable homes." Lenders have agreed to work with Chicago Neighborhood Housing Services in the effort. "Often, a foreclosed home falls into disrepair, dragging down the value of other neighborhood properties." Mayor Daley emphasized that "'Foreclosures have a devastating effect, not only on the families involved but also on the surrounding communities.'"
Thanks to Connie Chung
FULL STORY: City, banks agree to work on avoiding foreclosures

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 Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

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.

In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet
With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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Planning for Universal Design
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