To share construction and maintenance costs and reduce school crowding, many planners are working with school administrators to create mixed-use community schools.
Schools co-located with a public library, museum, or other civic institution can stay open past 3 p.m. and be used for other purposes, though wings that don't serve a dual function can be closed to the public. For example, Medina High School in Medina, Ohio, shares space with city-funded leisure facilities, which are also used by a local hospital's physical therapy branch. When not occupied by students, the school's 1,200-seat auditorium is booked by the local performing arts foundation. Multiple uses for the same roads, parking, and other infrastructure can also reduce sprawl and ease traffic concerns, experts say. (Thanks to KnowledgePlex for the article summary.)
Thanks to KnowledgePlex Week in Review
FULL STORY: The ABCs of Mixed Use Schools: Schools, Communities Learn Meaning of 'Co-location'

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

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.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

Poor Conditions in Mobile Home Parks Put Residents at Risk
Failing infrastructure, poor water and air quality, and predatory owners endanger the health of manufactured home residents, many of whom are elderly and low-income.

How Complete Streets Stands to Lose in the FY26 ‘Skinny Budget’
The President’s proposed budget could cut key resources for active transportation, public transit, and road safety programs.

Dairy Queen and Rural Third Places
Dozens of Dairy Queen restaurants across Texas are closing, taking a critical community space with them.
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.
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Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
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Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
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