CNN looks at the next wave in urban agriculture: commercial-scale indoor farms that are hydroponic, climate controlled, and LED-lit.
To date, urban farming has primarily taken place at a small scale and on rooftops, writes Jennifer Alsever. However, large-scale indoor facilities, such as the "Vertical Farms" advocated by Dickson Despommier, may be better equipped to meet rising demand for locally grown, organic food. The highly controlled environments of indoor farms offer higher yields per square foot, inspiring experimental ventures in cities throughout the country, according to Alsever.
Some critics are skeptical as to whether the new model is fiscally sustainable, given the significant amount of electricity it requires. The author quotes Bruce Bugbee, a professor of crop physiology at Utah State University:
"Scores of companies have tried to do this, even the big guys like General Mills fifteen years ago. It's too expensive. People don't realize how much light it takes to grow plants."
FULL STORY: Urban farming 2.0: No soil, no sun

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.
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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