What planners can learn from engineers who study buildings in order 'to keep disasters from becoming economic catastrophes.'
"These are dangerous times. Powerful hurricanes are on the upswing along the Atlantic coast, the West has been devastated by fire, and communities from Seattle to Los Angeles are braced for earthquakes. Then there's the threat of terrorism. The effects--economic and psychological--are many....One insurer...is betting that difficult times can be good times. Its confidence has a lot to do with a team of fire enthusiasts, explosion nuts, and devotees of controlled mayhem...."
Thanks to Connie Chung
FULL STORY: Flirting With Disaster

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
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