In this edition of The Atlantic Cities' weekly look at bans of note from across the country, John Metcalfe examines Jackson, Michigan's new anti-graffiti ordinance, and the lone street artist it is thought to target.
A prolific street artist has been busy at work in Jackson, Michigan, located 45 minutes west of Ann Arbor. And his handy work, featuring a whimsical one-eyed monster, has local officials all aflutter.
According to Metcalfe, "Jackson has acted as an incubator to some sweet aerosol-based art for some time – see this paint-crazed old factory, now demolished – but the monster struck such a nerve that officials formed a task force to head off the perceived acts of vandalism. In March, Jackson's police chief announced that his men were 'getting close' to arresting the suspect, but so far their can-carrying quarry appears to have eluded the dragnet."
FULL STORY: This Week in Bans: Michigan Town Terrorized by 'Monster' Graffiti
Winter Storm Knocks Out Drinking Water Systems in the South, Including in Jackson
Jackson, Mississippi made headlines and incurred a civil rights investigation earlier this year when flooding knocked out the city’s drinking water supply. This week’s winter storm had the same effect on Jackson as well as other Southern cities.
Mississippi Investigated for Civil Rights Violations in Jackson Water Crisis
The NAACP has accused a pair of Mississippi departments of discrimination against Black Mississippians, leading to the loss of drinking water in the state's capital city at the end of the summer.
Costs to Fix Jackson's Water System Estimated at $1 Billion
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
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The Five Most-Changed American Cities
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San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan
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Housing, Supportive Service Providers Brace for Federal Cuts
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Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions