News broke Sunday that Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx will be President Obama's choice to succeed Ray LaHood as transportation secretary. Although he does not have a transportation background, Foxx has been an advocate for mass transit and TOD.
Although his nomination is being framed by some as a nod to those who've criticized a lack of diversity among Obama's second term cabinet picks, the White House was quick to defend Mayor Foxx's qualifications and record of experience, reports Franco Ordoñez. "As mayor of what it called one of America’s most vibrant cities, the White House said Foxx has the firsthand knowledge needed to create jobs and compete in a global economy. The White House praised Foxx’s ability to integrate local, state and federal resources to meet transportation challenges."
"Federal officials cited his efforts to bring a streetcar line through the center of the city, expand Charlotte Douglas International Airport and extend the city’s light-rail system north to UNC Charlotte."
"Foxx is interested in how transit can shape urban development," adds Ordoñez, "and he shares the Obama administration’s support for high-speed rail and creating walkable cities with development clustered around transit stops."
LaHood, a former Republican congressman from Peoria who was beloved by many progressive advocates for his outspoken advocacy for alternative transportation modes, will be a tough act to follow.
FULL STORY: Obama to name Charlotte mayor Anthony Foxx as transportation chief

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie