Seattle region commercial construction is roaring back to life, surprising developers, contractors and economists.
"In Seattle and Bellevue, new office, retail, medical and condominium projects are either planned or under construction, revitalizing a building industry that just a year ago was hunkered down for a long, slow spell.
...At Seattle's Department of Planning and Development, the value of commercial-construction-permit applications is on pace to hit nearly $1.4 billion this year, a 129 percent increase over 2003.
In Bellevue, the value of commercial-building permits issued this year is on track to grow 40 percent, much of it driven by developers reviving projects mothballed in the worst real-estate downturn in a decade."
Thanks to Felix Sukhenko
FULL STORY: Region again hears sound of building boom

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

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

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.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)