Finalists in The History Channel's futuristic city design challenge will now present their visions to the public in an online poll to determine the grand prize winner.
This fall The History Channel pulled off a thought-provoking promotion by inviting an array of U.S. architects to make no small plans. Corresponding with the series Engineering an Empire, the network hosted three events in which architects competed against each other to propose a "city of the future."
New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles served as case studies for the designers. A shortlist of competitors was given just one week to conjure up a vision of their subject city 100 years from now, and realize it in renderings, models, and explanatory text. The city challenges began in late October when 10 New York teams were selected for the marathon charette, which culminated in presentations at Grand central Terminal; the first-round exercises ended December 12 with the L.A. contest. Each of the three winners was awarded $10,000, and the trio is now up for a national honor that would double the purse."
"National voting takes place online from January 2–February 2. To aid Web surfers in gauging the three finalists against competition criteria, the site will include commentary from architect Daniel Libeskind, FAIA, the national juror. The victor will be announced in mid-February."
FULL STORY: Prepare to Vote for "City of the Future"

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service