With sleek high-rises, a waterfront promenade, and yacht-filled marina, Eko Atlantic could help Lagos attract the world's elite. But when it isn't busy demolishing their homes, what is the government doing to improve poor residents' quality of life?
"The state government in Lagos recently released a short, slick video touting Lagos as 'Africa’s Big Apple' which features shots of the glitzy artificial city, known as Eko Atlantic. The video also shows a parade of fast boats, traffic-free roads, glamorous hotel pools, and clothing boutiques," writes Alexis Okeowo. "Eko Atlantic underscores the worry among some Lagosians that their government wants to protect only the city’s rich from rising sea levels."
When the government isn't busy touting its "mega-city dream", it's evicting residents of shantytowns such as Makoko and burning the homes of "a community that lived on the fringes of Bar Beach."
“'The government has not done anything for us yet, so people are trying to improve the environment themselves, bettering their sanitation practices,' Afose Sulayman, a Makoko resident, said. Makoko’s residents lack access to clean water and endure endemic poverty. 'What people really want is the government to help them develop the community, instead of trying to take the land,' Sulayman added."
"Lagos, many say, has made progress in upgrading public services, roads, traffic lights, and green spaces, and is embarking on promising sustainable ventures," notes Okeowo. "Its new mini-city may be an example, attracting investment and tourism. But Victoria Island is only a fraction of the mushrooming metropolis. Will the rest of it be left behind?"
FULL STORY: A SAFER WATERFRONT IN LAGOS, IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT

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