Anti-Bush protestors are being denied permits to stage rallies in Central Park.
"In the fierce debate of the past weeks and months over whether more than 200,000 anti-Republican protesters should be allowed to congregate en masse on the park's Great Lawn, the poetic language used to describe the park suggested, though never quite stated, an underlying rift." Who decides what is the proper use of a public space? When parks are maintained by non-profit conservancies, who sets the priorities? "We're on a slippery slope when we start saying that the rights of grass trump the rights of the people to protest" said Bill Perkins, a city councilman from Harlem. Fred Kent, the president of Project for Public Spaces, a nonprofit organization based in Greenwich Village, fears "a growing influence of transplanted affluent suburbanites over park priorities." But "conflicting visions of how the park should be used, and who it should benefit, are age-old, seesawing over time," said Roy Rosenzweig, an author of "The Park and the People: A History of Central Park."
Thanks to Zvi Leve
FULL STORY: Is 'Keep Off the Grass' Elitist?

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service