Even before approval of an official ban, nearly 200 bars and restaurants have prohibited smoking on their own.
Which begs the question, is an official ban even necessary? "Opponents of the ban say the list [of bars and restaurants already prohibiting smoking] proves that allowing the free market to work will result in plenty of choices for both smokers and nonsmokers." They contend that the ban will only hurt area businesses, and Mayor Anthony Williams may agree: Williams "is considering a veto of the ban for fear it will hurt the city's vital hospitality industry."
FULL STORY: Clear Peek at a Smoke-Free Future

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

Vehicle-related Deaths Drop 29% in Richmond, VA
The seventh year of the city's Vision Zero strategy also cut the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes by half.

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.

A Case for Universal Rental Assistance
A pair of researchers argues that expanding rental assistance programs for low-income households is the most effective way to alleviate the housing crisis.

Office Conversions Have Increased Every Year This Decade
Since the pandemic, office vacancy rates remain high, leading many cities to adjust zoning codes to accommodate adaptive reuse.

Index Measures Impact of Heat on Pedestrian Activity
When heat and humidity are high, people are more likely to opt for cars when possible.
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