A new breed of community-saavy developer is increasingly recognizing the value of (and budgeting for) public participation.
" 'We can tie you up if we have to, and we will,' [says Kathleen Moriarty, president of the Peachtree Hills Civic Association]. 'Developers have treated the neighborhood as an obstacle to be gotten by in the past. If that's how they treat us, then that's what we'll be.'... Responding to community input, developers are modifying plans instead of facing an angry public at rezoning hearings. And a peaceful hearing can lead to swifter approval."
Thanks to Janet Frankston
FULL STORY: Developers involve neighbors, building consensus for projects

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

Vehicle-related Deaths Drop 29% in Richmond, VA
The seventh year of the city's Vision Zero strategy also cut the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes by half.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

Berkeley Approves ‘Middle Housing’ Ordinance
The city that invented single-family zoning is finally reckoning with its history of exclusion.

SEPTA Budget Slashes Service by 45 Percent
The Philadelphia-area transit agency is legally tasked with maintaining a balanced budget. Officials hope the state will come to the rescue with additional funding.

Connecticut Governor Vetoes Housing Bill
Gov. Lamont reversed his view on a controversial affordable housing bill that would have required municipalities to zone for set amounts of affordable housing to receive state funding.
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