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

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?

Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.

What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.

Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts
Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie