This week, San Diego's City Council voted to resurrect the city's moribund Planning Department. A government-wide reorganization and energized leadership seem certain to ensure the department won't become a zombie.
After a two year absence (that seemed much longer), "the [San Diego] City Council approved a sweeping reorganization plan that once again includes a stand-alone Planning Department," reports Roger Showley. "Under the new setup, about 120 employees, most currently housed in the Development Services Department, will shift to [Planing Director Bill] Fulton, although formal transfer awaits passage of an ordinance in a few weeks in conformance with the city charter."
"We will restore long-range community planning to its rightful place as an important component for city business," Fulton said.
At Voice of San Diego, Andrew Keatts details the new organizational structure, which impacts much of the city government. "The biggest part of the reorganization might be the reintroduction of three deputy chief operating officers, each in charge of a different group of city functions — infrastructure and public works, neighborhood services and internal operations."
FULL STORY: Planning lives again at City Hall

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.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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