An ambitious plan to redevelop the Mississippi Riverfront in New Orleans has locals excited about the prospect of a huge boost to the economy, but some are leery about the negative impact the project could have on the city's unique character.
"The project, scheduled to be unveiled to the public on Saturday, would reconnect the city with the Mississippi River, creating a 4.5-mile stretch of bikeways, jogging trails, cruise ship terminals and hotels on city-owned riverfront property two blocks from the French Quarter. The ambitious plan, steered by the New Orleans Building Corporation, a city agency led by Cummings, comes at a time when much of the city is still rebuilding from the catastrophic flooding unleashed by Hurricane Katrina. It has sparked a recurring debate here among residents: How to rebuild New Orleans without losing the sultry flair and grit that made this city famous?"
"Advocates of the plan say the new riverfront will infuse the city with much-needed tax revenue and tourists. Critics say the project will gentrify nearby historic neighborhoods, such as Bywater, a 19th-century collection of shotgun homes and Creole cottages."
"'It's totally out of context and out of character and out of scale with the wonderful historic neighborhoods,' said Nathan Chapman, president of a French Quarter advocacy group."
FULL STORY: New Orleans to unveil new riverfront redevelopment plan

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.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions