A proposal to create a new outdoor advertising district in San Francisco has some locals anticipating a retail revival, while others dread the possible billboard blight.
"The 'Mid-Market Special Sign District' is the brainchild of a property owner who touts the idea that flashing light will spark the renaissance of an area that has been grim and bleak for decades, most every hint of revival quickly going dark. A committee will map precisely where signs can be placed; soon after that, boosters promise, long-boarded-up structures will sprout galleries and cafes.
The leading critic is San Francisco Beautiful - a civic organization that in 2002 authored its own initiative, a citywide ban on new general-advertising billboards. As you might guess, the nonprofit isn't thrilled by Prop. D's attempt to open a door nailed shut: The new wattage visible from afar and the possible precedent for other neighborhoods make the proposition nothing less than a 'neutron bomb,' SFB's president told The Chronicle's John Coté."
The ballot measure has elicited a variety of angry responses from citizens and impassioned pleas from proponents. According to urban design critic John King, both sides have a point.
FULL STORY: Signs wouldn't be worst blight on S.F.'s Market

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?

Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.

Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.
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