The city of Germantown, Tennessee, is on the verge of approving a new "Smart Code" based on Smart Growth and New Urbanism principles. City officials are hoping the new zoning changes will allow the city's economy to blossom.
"Germantown's Mayor and Board of Aldermen on Monday will give a final reading to the proposed Smart Code - a drastic revision to the city's zoning codes."
"If approved, the new codes will shed the old principles of Germantown's commercial zoning, which prohibit mixed-use development and limit building height, and instead foster 'New Urbanism,' a city zoning concept that combines commercial, residential and retail space with pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and intricate streetscapes."
"'We don't have a town square where you park your car in one area and walk around and you shop and stroll,' said Mike Palazzolo, city alderman and the bank president at Germantown's Landmark Community Bank. 'We wanted to come up with that kind of flair and concept.'"
"'We're almost to the stage of build out,' Palazzolo said. 'This is something that will be a long-term benefit to our community that will be far-reaching. It's going to help stabilize the tax base and give us sustainability.'"
FULL STORY: Germantown Leaders Position Town For Smarter Growth

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?

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.

Spokane Mayor Introduces Housing Reforms Package
Mayor Lisa Brown’s proposals include deferring or waiving some development fees to encourage more affordable housing development.

Houston Mayor Kills Another Bike Lane
The mayor rejected a proposed bike lane in the Montrose district in keeping with his pledge to maintain car lanes.
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.
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