In most cities, school districts occupy more land than any private developer or other public entity. Yet, the cities in which school districts operate often have no more influence over schools than they do foreign countries.
This rift leaves cities incapable not only of regulating land use, but also of tending to their children when the schools disappoint them. Now in his 19th year as mayor of Toledo, Ohio, Donald L. Plusquellic shared with The Planning Report some strategies by which cities can both improve their neighborhoods and take back their schools.
Plusquellic is an outspoken critic of the divide between city governments and school boards, and has devised creative solutions to allow the city to tend to its children.
From the interview:
"Well, I think we’re a long way from where we need to be. Mayors need to realize something that is clearly right in front of our noses, and that is that the kids that the school system has during the day are our kids in each community. They’re our kids. It’s really one community. Most of the suburban communities understood that a long time ago. Most of them have open schools and opportunities for people to use recreational facilities, whatever they may be."
Thanks to Josh Stephens
FULL STORY: Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic Endorses Mayors Being More Responsible for Public Schools

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

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.

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.

With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)