Crime-weary residents of all ages, races and sexes are increasingly choosing to protect themselves by purchasing guns and learning to shoot them. Happiest about the trend are the owners of the city's gun shops.
"Crime pays. Or at least it does for businesses dedicated to helping people protect themselves in a place rated the second-most violent in America, according to the FBI's national report for 2005. That report showed the Memphis metro area recorded 1,197 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, trailing only Florence, S.C."
Memphis' high crime rate is causing many residents to resort to new levels of self-defense. "In 2000, 3,916 Shelby County residents had handgun carry permits. Five years later, in 2005, that number had more than doubled to 7,838. This year, permits are on pace to hit 8,000."
Classes at shooting ranges are typically full, with some booked weeks in advance.
FULL STORY: In crime-pocked Memphis, the good guys -- and women -- get ready
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Oregon Approves Ambitious Framework for ’Microgrids’
Local energy “islands” within the larger power system ensure key facilities can remain online during emergencies and power outages.
A Historic Investment in LA County’s Parks and Open Spaces
Los Angeles County has launched its largest-ever competitive grant program, investing $58 million to expand park access, enhance climate resilience, and support community-driven projects in the areas that need them most.
San Diego Wins $14M for Affordable Housing
The funding comes via the state’s Regional Early Action Planning program and will help create close to 1,000 new housing units.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Portland
City of Laramie