The Leage of California cities addresses the tough questions: When is an email a public document? The answer might surprise you.
"Incorporating e-mail into the work environment has had an amazing impact on the efficiency, effectiveness and timeliness with which business is done. In many cases, e-mail has replaced the interoffice memo and ended the frustrating game of telephone tag between employees. For local governments, e-mail has served another purpose connecting citizens to their government. Through city websites and employee e-mail addresses, citizens can connect with their elected officials and city staffers. An e-mail message can be sent at the citizens convenience regardless of office hours and arrive almost immediately. And for elected officials, especially those who serve part time and do not keep office hours at city hall, responding to citizens by e-mail allows a timely, personal response. For many people, e-mail has replaced the telephone call. "
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: Email and the Public records Act: Think Before You Delete!

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.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.

What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.

Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts
Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie