Building on a decade of phenomenal growth, downtown Kansas City is poised to add 1,500 new and renovated apartment units in time for a new streetcar to begin operating in 2015.
"The sudden resurgence of interest in downtown apartment construction is a testament to the power of past and current investments in the heart of Kansas City," says an editorial in The Kansas City Star. Investment in a sports arena and the Power & Light District, among other elements, have helped to triple the number of downtown residents over the past decade.
Plans for 1,500 new and renovated apartment units announced by developers over the last few months demonstrate that growth is poised to continue, thanks in no small part to a new streetcar line.
"The proposed apartment units also help prove that Mayor Sly James and many other streetcar backers made a wise decision to push a two-mile starter line from the River Market to Union Station. While The Star disagreed with how the city funded the permanent transit system — which is expected to begin operating in 2015 — we’re glad to see it is already delivering on its promise as a valuable economic development tool."
FULL STORY: Surge in apartment growth boosts downtown’s revival

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