The downside of success: downtown revitalization leads to higher rents and chains.
"A thriving downtown known for its quirky shops and booming nightlife will soon sit in the shadows of towering lofts and condos, leading some to wonder if the city is straying from its edgy roots. Rising rents and an emphasis on eateries in recent years have squeezed out many local mainstays...Meanwhile, corporate giant Barnes & Noble gets heavy traffic... City leaders -- and even some longtime business owners -- view the pricey housing projects and establishment of national franchises as proof this citys evolving downtown is still the place to see and be seen. But others say Royal Oaks maturation into one of Metro Detroits hip yet increasingly pricey suburbs seems dangerously close to turning it into a watered-down version of its formerly funky self."
Thanks to Richard Layman
FULL STORY: Prosperous Royal Oak has identity crisis: Chains and high rents push quirky shops out

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.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
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