Social Service Centers work to fill the lack of social safety nets in suburban areas of Chicago.
"Simon Bolivar Center for Human Rights offers immigrants in Elgin, as well as in Streamwood, Carpentersville and Geneva, who are far from the social safety nets of Chicago, a rare beacon of hope....Similar centers to Simon Bolivar...are cropping up as more and more immigrants, mostly from Mexico, bypass Chicago and move directly into the suburbs. The number of Latinos living in the state outside of Cook County climbed 118 percent to 458,522 in 2000 from 210,252 in 1990, according to U.S. Census figures....Noting the moderate success of places like Simon Bolivar, advocates in Chicago are training others to open more suburban centers. Earlier this year, the Leadership Council for Metropolitan Open Communities...trained 43 people from cities such as Melrose Park, Rolling Meadows, Aurora, Elgin and Mt. Prospect. Once a week for six weeks, the volunteers learned public policy, zoning ordinances, how to work with elected officials and how to detect rental properties that are discriminating against minorities...."
Thanks to Connie Chung
FULL STORY: Suburban centers emerge to aid Latinos

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.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie