Can a big-name architect and a $100 million gift put Madison, Wisconsin on the urban design map?
"In 1998 a Madison, Wisconsin, businessman named Jerry Frautschi did something remarkable. The textbook-printing magnate announced that he would provide funding--eventually totaling $100 million--for the construction of an arts complex on a mostly city-owned block downtown. The gift is huge: it equals the NEA's entire budget, or two-thirds of Madison's annual tax revenues. But it is not quite a no-strings-attached donation. In truth, it dangles from one rather large rope: Frautschi is the sole donor, and he has given the money to his own organization, the Overture Foundation, which will determine how it is spent."
Thanks to Congress on the New Urbanism
Read the full story: Cesar's Palance
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Northwest rail fans eager for Sept. 30 debut of Amtrak’s Airo fleet
Get ready for that new train smell and more seats. But they won’t go faster or run more frequently on the Cascades route in Washington and Oregon.
Houston Metro makes on-demand rideshare pilot a permanent part of its network
The transit agency is launching upgrades to three of its on-demand services.
LAX SkyLink opening delayed again, contractor won’t commit to new deadline
The project was supposed to open its doors to the public in 2023.
Caltrain may slash over one-third of its stations
If Bay Area voters reject two transit tax measures, Caltrain, BART and AC Transit will see steep service cuts.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
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The Architects Foundation
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The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello