An economist's reading of recent trends suggests the future of the downtown is anything but certain.
Sam Staley writes in the Downtown Idea Exchange that an economist's eye onrecent trends suggests the future of the downtown is anything butcertain. But that most downtowns can survive and even thrive if theyare able to recognize fundamental changes in the metropolitan fabric andtransform themselves into neighborhoods that meet the demands of a more competitive and mobile society.
"What will it take for downtowns to survive and even thrive in this environment?First and foremost, downtown advocates need to recognize they operate in a fundamentally different environment now than they did 50 years ago."
Thanks to Adrian Moore
FULL STORY: Can Downtowns Survive the 21st Century?

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

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

The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?

In Both Crashes and Crime, Public Transportation is Far Safer than Driving
Contrary to popular assumptions, public transportation has far lower crash and crime rates than automobile travel. For safer communities, improve and encourage transit travel.

Report: Zoning Reforms Should Complement Nashville’s Ambitious Transit Plan
Without reform, restrictive zoning codes will limit the impact of the city’s planned transit expansion and could exclude some of the residents who depend on transit the most.

Judge Orders Release of Frozen IRA, IIJA Funding
The decision is a victory for environmental groups who charged that freezing funds for critical infrastructure and disaster response programs caused “real and irreparable harm” to communities.
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