An extensive profile of the recovering Iceland paints a picture of a place that is overthrowing its boom-time banker's persona and rebuilding on the unique strengths of its culture.
Reporter Jake Halpern pays a visit to a unique incubator in Iceland (that goes out of business soon after), but he still sees an interesting shift in perspective in the country:
"...despite the challenges that Icelandic entrepreneurs face, they do seem to share a genuine sense of relief that their nation had given up its vision of becoming an island of Porsche-driving, Armani-wearing financiers."
Many Icelanders Halpern talks to cling to their Viking culture and relish a chance to prove their survival skills.
"The real value of the economic crash, one young woman told me, was that 'people are rethinking, Who am I as an Icelandic person?'"
FULL STORY: Iceland’s Big Thaw

What the US Intercity Rail System Could Look Like
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National Housing Group Criticizes Executive Orders
The National Low Income Housing Coalition issued a statement charging that Trump’s executive orders would worsen the housing crisis.

Amtrak Cascades Line Breaks Ridership Record
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Single-Stair Reform Gains Strength
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Boston Bus Signal Priority Project Yields Faster Travel Times
The city now plans to expand a year-long pilot project that reduced the time buses waited at traffic signals.

Condos, a Key Source of Affordable Housing for Homeowners, Are in Jeopardy
Decades of increasing costs and deferred maintenance could lead to people losing their homes unless changes are made.
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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.
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