A recent unanimous decision by the Tacoma, Washington, City Council has launched a proposal to not-so-nearby Portland, Oregon, to consider annexation. If accepted, the proposal would create a multi-state city separated by more than 100 miles.
"After years of looking to Portland as a model for Tacoma, the Tacoma City Council finally decided that it would be easier to just join the Rose City rather than try to copy everything they do. At a special Thursday meeting, the Council voted 9-0 to ask Portland to annex them."
"When asked if she was concerned that she had just voted herself out of a job, Councilwoman Julie Anderson said that she looked forward to the Tacoma City Council becoming a strong Neighborhood Council rather than just disbanding altogether. She continued, 'That said, it's my duty to do what's best for Tacoma, not for me. And merging Tacoma into Portland is the right thing to do.' "
"An anonymous source at Portland City Hall said that the proposal would likely be accepted, despite the potential image problem for the city and the logistics of merging across state lines. 'I see a real benefit to Portland if for no other reason that all of these Tacomans will stop coming down here and bugging us about what they should be doing.' "
Thanks to morgan
FULL STORY: Tacoma to Portland: Let Us In!
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?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie