The Economist looks at the generational gap that is hampering efforts to rebuild tsunami-stricken communities in Japan, as the elderly favor restoring what was lost as soon as possible, and the young seek sustainable revitalization.
Japan's aging population has been a concern of the country's officials and planners since long before the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami struck north-eastern Japan. Now, the wishes of an elderly population that is "richer, more risk-averse and more powerful than the young," are pitted against younger generations (and the central government) in determining how tsunami-stricken communities will be rebuilt.
"The central government still hopes that rebuilding stricken areas can be
a blueprint for revitalisation of ageing communities elsewhere in
Japan. It is allowing innovative places to become 'special zones' that
are light on regulation and heavy on such new ideas as smart energy
grids and high-density living. The implication is that those who simply
want to restore what was lost may not get generous treatment. Yet
officials acknowledge that the elderly have a lot of voting power in
Japan, and are hard to boss about."
"Finding compromises on such fraught social issues is key to the
rebuilding, which suggests that it will remain painstakingly slow."
FULL STORY: Generational warfare
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service