APA's bi-weekly update on legislative and public policy issues of interest to planners and communities.
This issue features: Brownfields bill set for final passage; Farm bill holds promise for planners and Smart Growth; and Heritage Area bills attract house ttention. " Most observers feared that brownfields legislation was once again doomed to legislative limbo. After the Senate approved a consensus compromise bill, S. 350, by a 99-0 vote, action in the House had stalled over provisions regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys ability to reassert authority over state-certified brownfield sites. But, intervention by the Bush Administration and House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) late last week led to an unexpected agreement to push the Senate version to an expedited floor vote this week."
Thanks to Jason Jordan
FULL STORY: From Washington...
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