In Austin, new ordinances seek growth limits, and aggressive design standards for commercial development.
Austin has focused on altering the big-box landscape as a key to curbing sprawl. The city has adopted design standards and environmental guidelines for commercial development aimed at maintaining the city's unique historic and architectural character.
"Austin's Commercial Design Standards apply to all new construction and redevelopment along major thoroughfares and scenic Hill Country roadways. They address landscaping; materials on exterior facades; building orientation; transit and pedestrian amenities; neighborhood access; lighting; parking; convertibility; signage; design modularity; and screening of loading facilities, mechanical equipment, storage and trash. Boxes, as well as other commercial buildings, must also comply with the citys sustainable building code, which requires integrated solar panels."
Thanks to Peter Slatin
FULL STORY: Big Box Battles

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.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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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.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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