An ambitious bill encouraging dense, transit-oriented development in the Seattle area has drawn negative responses from residents who criticize its "one-size-fits-all" approach.
"Rob Johnson, executive director of Transportation Choices, and Sara Nikolic, urban strategies director of Futurewise, said station-area planning can't really wait.
'I know the bill had people alarmed, and we talked to them and responded. And part of the reason we made the amendments is because Seattle neighborhoods raised the biggest concerns -- Roosevelt and particularly Southeast Seattle -- and that's because they realize light rail is here, it's really coming,' Nikolic said.
Service from Seattle to Tukwila is slated to begin in July.
'We spent a lot of time listening to the communities,' Johnson said. 'The bill is a living document, and we expect more changes to happen.'
But Johnson also pointed out that federal funding to boost the economy -- signed into law Tuesday by President Barack Obama -- is in part aimed at improving transportation public transit."
FULL STORY: Transit zoning bill gets remake

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.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses
The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund
A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards
Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.
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.
Ada County Highway District
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
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