Ambitious plans to remake considerable portions of San Francisco's Waterfront in preparation for the America’s Cup yacht race, to be staged in the city in 2013, have been significantly scaled back, reports George Calys
Facing opposition and lawsuits from citizens groups, and concerns about attendance and finances, "the America's Cup Event Authority early this month announced a "consolidated venue plan" that significantly diminishes the development footprint of the San Francisco-based event. No longer part of the complex real estate deal are Piers 30, 32, and the prime real estate bounded by Beale, Bryant, and the Embarcadero," writes Calys
Enhancements to the structural stability of a number of historic piers, which are in disrepair and in danger of collapse, were to be part of the improvements planned for the waterfront ahead of the race, but have seemingly been shelved. According to Calys, improvements to Piers 27, 29, and 80 will still go ahead, however, "[e]xact redevelopment plans for these piers-which are being master planned and designed by a team led by AECOM-are still unclear; a new scheme is expected in the next three to four weeks."
"America's Cup backers insist that the race will still occur in San Francisco. What is now unclear is whether a positive contribution to San Francisco's urban waterfront will result."
FULL STORY: In Irons

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)