A web of politics, lobbying, and profit motives have developers scrambling in support of a rail link that could have a significant impact on the economy of New York City and state.
"In fact, according to real-estate sources, leaders of the Real Estate Board of New Yorkâ€"the city's powerful trade association for developers and property ownersâ€"have been active in donating and soliciting donations from fellow members, often citing the J.F.K. rail link as the reason why. It's not clear to what extent they did so under the official guise of REBNY, however, and how much on their own. REBNY members referred questions to president Steve Spinola, who did not return phone calls before deadline."
"'It's not just a New York City issue,' said Mr. Weisbrod, who was president of lower Manhattan's business-improvement district until about a year ago, but has not contributed to the Reynolds campaign. 'It's not just a lower Manhattan issue. This is important for the city's economy and therefore the state's economy as a whole."
FULL STORY: Downtown Developers Lobby for Rail Link

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.
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.
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