Hazel Borys argues that "the payback of livable places really can’t be calculated in dollars, or pounds of fat or carbon, or even hours. The payback of place is passion."
These days we are all collectively making the case for the economic, social, and environmental benefits of sound planning practices. Sometimes we may get so taken up with the payback that we fail to pay attention to what gets people to produce these value drivers in the first place: passion. Borys writes:
"David Byrne noted in last Sunday's NY Times that people get hooked on cycling because of pleasure, not health, money, or carbon footprint. 'Emotional gratification trumps reason.'"
"It's the passion of great places that gets any of us involved, engaged, contributing. But it's also that passion that drives economies, makes connections between people, and gives resilience to jobs and the marketplace."
Thanks to Scott Doyon
FULL STORY: The Passion of Place

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

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Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
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Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
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MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
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