A beauty pageant contestant from the crime-ridden Compton, California made famous by 1990s gangster rap is hoping to improve her city's reputation.
Shanice McKinley, 25, is hoping her participation in the Miss California USA beauty pageant -- a first for a Compton resident in more than 20 years -- will help change some of the negative stereotypes people have about her city.
"She said she decided to become one after a talent scout sent her the Miss California USA application packet because she wants to serve as a positive role model for young people in her city.
Too often, McKinley said, Compton people who succeed move away.
'They don't come back to the community to show the rest of the people that if I can do it, you can do it,' she said."
FULL STORY: Compton beauty pageant contestant seeks to burnish her city's image
Activating L.A.’s Transit Stations
Advocates say encouraging community events, vendors, and activity at transit stations can improve public safety without increasing the presence of law enforcement.
The Numerous Obstacles—Past and Present—Facing Black Homeowners
Black Americans pay a higher price to be homeowners—and the number of those who can afford to pay that price is dropping quickly.
City of Compton Introduces Two-Year Guaranteed Income Pilot
Proponents of universal basic income and general income programs say direct cash payments to low-income residents would reduce inequality and alleviate poverty.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
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.
In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.
Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)