With the departure of department head Adolpho Carrion, the role of the new Office of Urban Affairs is in question. With a small budget and a staff of four, can Urban Affairs make an impact?
Matt Chaban talks to Harry Moroz, a policy analyst at the Drum Major Institute, about the Department of Urban Affairs. Moroz believes that the successes of other agencies like HUD and DOT on the urban front has undercut the work of the newer department:
"I know there are people very committed to urban affairs in the White House," Moroz said. "Attention will be paid to urban policy, but will it be in this office? I think that's an open question."
Chaban also talked with Aaron Naparstek, founder of Streetsblog:
"I do actually think Carrión was a problem,"Naparstek said. "He just didn't seem to be able to articulate a vision for the office or a vision for what cities could or should be."
FULL STORY: Can Obama's Office of Urban Affairs Carrion?

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

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Trump Approves Futuristic Automated Texas-Mexico Cargo Corridor
The project could remove tens of thousands of commercial trucks from roadways.

Austin's First Single Stair Apartment Building is Officially Underway
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Atlanta Bus System Redesign Will Nearly Triple Access
MARTA's Next Gen Bus Network will retool over 100 bus routes, expand frequent service.
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