Through a new competition, the city of Seattle is looking to revive and reuse the alleys of the urban core.
"Recently, Seattle's Department of Transportation co-sponsored a competition with the Seattle-based International Sustainability Institute to see if our community of creative designers could concoct ideas for Nord Alley, between S. Main and S. Jackson Streets in Pioneer Square. At a recent gala, several winners were announced with great fanfare and kudos by Councilwoman Sally Bagshaw, chair of the council's parks committee.This could bode well for the cityscape, as this is the same committee that is converting Bell Street into a future urban park.
Seattle's Department of Transportation is now supporting the creative use of the public rights of way in the city. Alleys are a relatively simple way of creating unique public spaces without needing to purchase expensive land."
Ideas for reusing alleyways range from the simple addition of lighting to elaborate plans to lure businesses into alley spaces.
FULL STORY: How to make urban alleys work

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?
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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
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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.
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