Do new urbanists need to rethink their attitude toward chain stores and big-box retailers, including Wal-Mart?
"New urbanists need to rethink their attitude toward chain stores and big-box retailers, including Wal-Mart, retail consultant and planner Robert Gibbs charged during a sometimes feisty CNU Council in late February in San Diego. Gibbs, the most prominent retail adviser serving developers of new urban communities, argued that new urbanists have become elitist and unrealistic about what kinds of stores to invite into their town centers." [Editor's note: Only part of this article is available online.]
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: Big box debate: are new urbanists elitist?

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

House Moves to Rescind California’s Emissions Standards
The state has been allowed to set its own emissions goals, including a mandate to transition to electric or zero-emissions vehicles by 2035.

Portland Proposal Would Suspend Development Fees to Spur Housing Construction
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson announced their policy plan Thursday, with the goal to jumpstart housing construction.

Honolulu Community College Celebrates Culture and Sustainability
Honolulu Community College brought together more than 320 students, staff, and community members for a day of Hawaiian cultural activities, music, and sustainability-focused learning at its annual Hoʻolauleʻa celebration.
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
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City of Grandview
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions