The retail chains have each announced expansion plans for next year, even as many businesses are closing stores.
Elaine Misonzhnik of Retail Traffic Magazine ties together the growth trajectories of Starbucks and McDonald's. Starbucks recently bought a high-end juice company and announced it would be opening a new store concept based around healthy offerings. McDonald's, meanwhile, is sticking to the same formula but adding 1,300 new stores worldwide next year.
McDonald's apparently sees itself in a battle against other food chains.
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=97876&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1629145&highlight=>In a press release, CEO Jim Skinner talked up the expansion as part of the company's "Plan to Win":
"McDonald's unwavering commitment to and outstanding execution of the Plan to Win has created significant brand differentiation and strong business momentum. McDonald's is well-positioned for sustained profitable growth and I am confident that the investments we are making today will yield long-term value for our shareholders in the future."
FULL STORY: Starbucks, McDonald's Bent on Growth

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

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)