Is Mount Vernon the next action-adventure theme park?
"In a shiny new orientation center, twenty-first century glitz aims to entertain and educate visitors to Mount Vernon prior to their entry to the historic grounds of George Washington's 18th century estate. A new museum education and exhibit hall adds to the packaged historical experience as a bookend for visitors leaving the property. Is the attraction of the actual Founding Father's home not sufficient on its own? Architecture critic Philip Kennicott suggests the new layout and facilities impart a coddling Disney effect that distracts from the genuine article--leaving something to be desired for visitors who already know that George Washington was not a Civil War hero."
FULL STORY: Additions Give Mount Vernon The Feel of Yesterdayland

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?

Massachusetts Budget Helps Close MBTA Budget Gap
The budget signed by Gov. Maura Healey includes $470 million in MBTA funding for the next fiscal year.

Milwaukee Launches Vision Zero Plan
Seven years after the city signed its Complete Streets Policy, the city is doubling down on its efforts to eliminate traffic deaths.

Portland Raises Parking Fees to Pay for Street Maintenance
The city is struggling to bridge a massive budget gap at the Bureau of Transportation, which largely depleted its reserves during the Civd-19 pandemic.
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Planning for Universal Design
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Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont