As the State of Illinois and City of Chicago begin envisioning the future of North Lake Shore Drive, a coalition of 15 local advocacy groups have put forth a plan to return the artery to the original vision put forth by Daniel Burnham.
"State and city transportation officials Tuesday kick off three days of public hearings on how to overhaul North Lake Shore Drive, but a coalition of 15 civic groups has already proposed a dramatic reworking of Chicago’s famous scenic drive," reports Rosalind Rossi.
"The 'Our Lakefront' plan would reduce the speed limit from Grand Avenue to Hollywood from 40 to 35 mph; create bus-only or high-speed-rail lanes; construct a nearby lane for high-speed bicylists; reduce parking and add greenery."
"Lake Shore Drive was originally designed as 'a boulevard. It was a pleasure drive early on,’' said Lee Crandell of the Active Transportation Alliance, among the 15 groups that helped to write the 'Our Lakefront' plan."
“It’s slowly turned into a freeway,’’ Crandell said. “We want it to feel like a boulevard.’’
FULL STORY: Lake Shore Drive proposal: 35 mph speed limit, lanes for bikes, buses, trains

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

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)