Bristol, RI seeks to protect historic districts, by adopting strict guidelines for chain stores and franchises.
"In an effort to preserve Bristol's historic character, the Town Council last night adopted regulations that will force chain stores and franchises to meet a strict set of guidelines before they can open branches downtown... By doing so, the town became the first community in New England and one of a handful across the country to clamp down on so-called formula businesses -- Banana Republic, Starbucks and similar companies that are required by contract to have standardized menus, decor, uniforms and other features." [Free registration required.]
Reader Kennedy Smith writes: "Actually, this ISN'T the first ordinance like this in New England. Provincetown, Massachusetts has had a 'formula business' ordinance in place for several years." [Thanks, Kennedy.]
Thanks to Joshuah Mello
FULL STORY: Rules governing franchises a first in New England

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?

Massachusetts Budget Helps Close MBTA Budget Gap
The budget signed by Gov. Maura Healey includes $470 million in MBTA funding for the next fiscal year.

Milwaukee Launches Vision Zero Plan
Seven years after the city signed its Complete Streets Policy, the city is doubling down on its efforts to eliminate traffic deaths.

Portland Raises Parking Fees to Pay for Street Maintenance
The city is struggling to bridge a massive budget gap at the Bureau of Transportation, which largely depleted its reserves during the Civd-19 pandemic.
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont