A zoning proposal in DuPage County would ban construction of 'meeting places,' including religious institutions, in unincorporated residential areas. The County says it's a question of infrastructure. Muslim leaders wonder if it's Islamophobia.
Three separate mosque projects, planned to serve DuPage County's growing Muslim population, have been delayed by land use authorities, who say the project sites lack adequate water, sewage, parking and traffic infrastructure. Now, the County Board is considering a new ordinance that would effectively ban new construction of mosques and other houses of worship in residential areas while also making it easier for congregations to build in commercial and industrial areas, which officials say have greater capacity for growth.
Muslim leaders across the state say they face increasing resistance to new mosques, especially in light of national controversies like the Park51 project in New York City. However, DuPage County church leaders say that they too have recently experienced difficulties getting approval for new building projects. County leaders deny charges of discrimination.
Youseff writes:
'Proponents say the rules would be even-handed, but others suspect the restrictions target Muslims at a time when they're building more mosques there. And for many, that question has become a major undercurrent of the zoning debate: is it really about land use or is it about discrimination?'
FULL STORY: DuPage Zoning Proposal: Land Use? Or Islamophobia?

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.

What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.

Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts
Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie