A report prepared by an independent panel calls for the Nature Conservancy (TNC) to institute sweeping reforms.
"The Conservancy, the world's largest environmental group, created the panel last year, after articles in The Washington Post described controversial practices at the organization. The Conservancy also immediately after the articles were published in early May banned many of the practices, saying it would no longer lend money to corporate insiders, sell land to its trustees or drill for oil on nature preserve land.
In the final report distributed to Conservancy board members this week, the panel did not dwell on past practices at the Conservancy, choosing instead to focus on setting new standards to increase efficiency and safeguard the charity's reputation."
Thanks to C. Scott Smith
FULL STORY: Overhaul of Nature Conservancy Urged

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