The Los Angeles Times supports the city's ordinance that requires an analysis of economic impacts for new superstores and challenges Wal-Mart to use its clout for economic development.
"Another welcome consequence would be if the new law pushed Wal-Mart to tailor its stores to an area's needs. Los Angeles badly needs more mixed-use and infill development, not big boxes surrounded by acres of parking lots.
For instance, a regular-sized Wal-Mart moved in to anchor a half-abandoned shopping center in Baldwin Hills last year and now attracts enough customers to help the center's other retail tenants, not drive them out of business. Rather than fighting the new law, the company should seize the chance to play the good guy."
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: A Hopeful Law on Wal-Mart

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

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.

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