Neal Pierce argues that retiring Mayor Daley's achievements in Chicago "stand out as beacons for mayors, American and worldwide, to emulate." He attributes some of his success to sheer political skill, but also examines seven effective policy shifts.
Livability, which comes in the form of Chicago's extended Millennium park and a system of 110 miles of green roadway medians stretching out into the neighborhoods. "Starting with City Hall itself, the city has developed a world-leading 7 million square feet of green roofs."
Another key was a climate action plan that has been labeled the world's most advanced. His social policies for housing and education won him voter support from previously opposed groups. In winning control of Chicago's schools from the state legislature he set a precedent which many other cities have followed. Since then the schools have improved, but not nearly as much as Daley had hoped for.
FULL STORY: The Seven Pillars Of Daley's Success

Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

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

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico
An analysis of hospital visit records provided a more accurate count than the annual point-in-time count used by most agencies.

Michigan Bills Would Stiffen Penalties for Deadly Crashes
Proposed state legislation would close a ‘legal gap’ that lets drivers who kill get away with few repercussions.

Report: Bus Ridership Back to 86 Percent of Pre-Covid Levels
Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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