In a week when the children of three separate members of congress revealed publicly that they are living in cities, lawmakers are shifting their ideologies about where federal resources should go and how to effectively target new policies.
"I used to think 'they're dirty, they're full of poor people, who cares?'" said Republican Congressman Richard Tremaine of Alabama, days after his son Nick announced that he had moved to Boston. "But now that my own son is living in a city, I just can't go on believing that they don't deserve the same rights and resources as more traditional places, like the suburbs."
Seven other House members and three Senators stood with Tremaine during his statement, offering support for what he called "a difficult soul-searching experience." He vowed to introduce a formal resolution in the House calling for the official recognition that "cities are places, too."
The shifts have trickled all the way up to the highest levels. Even President Barack Obama has had a personal change of heart on prioritizing urban issues.
"I had a long talk with my daughter Malia the other night and she told me how, even after we have to leave the White House, she wants to stay right here in the big city," the president said during a recent session with reporters at the White House Briefing Room. "As a parent, when you hear those words from your own kin, it really puts things in perspective."
President Obama ended the briefing by saying he had "a lot to think about," suggesting that "maybe it's time to revive that Office of Urban Affairs idea we came up with back in the early days."
FULL STORY: Urban Issues Prioritized as Politicians' Children Come Out as City-Dwellers

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.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
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