In a nod to small retailers, Los Angeles will make it much harder for 'big box' stores to expand.
"Proponents say it may become a national model for handling skirmishes over so-called 'big box' stores moving into economically fragile communities... The ordinance, voted on Wednesday, says simply that developers of superstores (those over 100,000 square feet) must do cost/benefit analyses to assess their economic impacts. Beyond the current practice of "conditional use" permits - which hinge on parking, land, and pollution impacts - applicants would have to assess a new list of controversial concerns, using approved but independent consultants."
Wal-Mart counters that it will have no problem producing economic studies that confirm that Wal-Mart brings positive economic benefits to the surrounding communities.
Thanks to Laura Kranz
FULL STORY: A new twist in the Wal-Mart wars

Rethinking Redlining
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Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Santa Clara County Dedicates Over $28M to Affordable Housing
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Why a Failed ‘Smart City’ Is Still Relevant
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When Sears Pioneered Modular Housing
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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.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
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Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
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