Community activists try to prevent NIMBYs from scaring off the right kind of development.
Although NIMBYism (Not in My Backyard)is still a major stumbling block for the high-density, mixed-use projects becoming more prevelant in the DC area, more and more residents are coming forward to support these projects. An increased public awareness of smart growth and sprawl issues has created citizen groups willing to stand up to their NIMBY neighbors to support the types of walkable communities some developers and municipalities are proposing. According to the Washington Post article, one prominent smart growth advocate "who usually rails against rapacious developers, showed up last week to praise Federal Realty [for their proposed expansion of Bethesda Row]. 'We will go to bat for developers with the right projects,' he said. 'The tide has turned.'"
Thanks to Janet Boyko
FULL STORY: One Community Finds Courage Against NIMBYs

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
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie