A series of articles from the Chicago Tribune that look at zoning and the politics that shape the city's land use.
Aldermanic prerogative and well-timed political campaign contributions spell U-P-Z-O-N-E in Chicago. "The real zoning code in Chicago is unwritten, but developers know it well: Changes in zoning go hand in hand with contributions to aldermanic campaigns."
"In an unprecedented investigation of city development, the Tribune examined 5,700 zoning changes approved by the City Council over the last decade...."
"Anyone driving around town has seen how the face of Chicago has been transformed:" condo canyons, French embassies stick out among traditional cottages and two-flats.
First in a series of articles on zoning tradition in Chicago, followed by a look at community groups' input in the process and additional cozy relationships.
Thanks to Lynn Stevens
FULL STORY: How cash, clout transform Chicago neighborhoods

Norman, Oklahoma Eliminates Parking Mandates
The city made a subtle, one-word change that frees up developers to build parking based on actual need and eliminates costly unnecessary parking.

Boston Transit Riders Report Safety Concerns
Almost three-quarters of current and former riders report feeling unsafe while using MBTA services.

Boston to Begin Zoning Code Update, Mayor Announces
It’s been nearly 60 years, but the city of Boston is finally ready to do a comprehensive rewrite of its zoning code.

California Air Regulators to Crack Down on Warehouses
Truck traffic to and from Southern California warehouses accounts for as much pollution as refineries, power plants, and other industrial polluters combined.

FEMA Climate Resilience Loans Target Small Communities
A new loan program reduces the bureaucratic hurdles to implementing small-scale climate adaptation projects.

D.C. Delays Bus Lane Enforcement
The program using cameras to ticket drivers who block bus lanes was scheduled to begin this week.
City of Stonecrest
City of Grand Junction Police Department
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Washington University
Mpact: Mobility, Community, Possibility
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Culver City
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