Officials in Tempe, Arizona and Maricopa County are using federal stimulus money to help end chronic homelessness by providing permanent housing options.
The effort is part of a pilot program to provide permanent housing for the area's chronically homeless. The first stage of the project has proved housing for 13 people at a cost of about $660,000.
"Tempe's funding will pay rent on an apartment unit for 18 months while people who meet the criteria for the pilot program work to get their life on track. To qualify for the program, individuals must have been homeless for at least one year and agree to background checks. Applicants must have no violent or drug felonies in the past five years, but if they have participated in rehabilitation to address such convictions, they could qualify.
Valley of the Sun United Way contracted with Urban Outreach, a homeless program of Tempe's First United Methodist Church, to provide case workers who help participants set goals for a stable life. The difference between the Tempe program and other homelessness efforts is that Valley of the Sun is establishing permanent housing for people who are chronically homeless."
FULL STORY: Tempe pilot program targets chronic homelessness

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.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.

In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)