Tell me if this sounds familiar: A city repaves a crumbling street only to dig it up again 9 months later to replace an aging water main. Chicago's new Project Coordination Office (PCO) is intended to prevent such unnecessary and costly headaches.
"Rather than simply working to make each [street] repair process smoother and more effective, CDOT Commissioner Gabe Klein, along with William Cheaks, the deputy commissioner for infrastructure management, took a step back and realized that a little more coordination could go a long way," writes Steve Goldsmith. "Calling upon a local engineering firm to assist with implementation and ongoing coordination, Klein created the PCO to foster cooperation among all the departments, contractors and utilities that need to dig up streets."
"The PCO brings in not only other city departments but also private utilities such as Peoples' Gas and Commonwealth Edison. By timing all projects to coincide, the city can cut the streets less often, reducing costs as well as inconvenience for citizens. The results so far are encouraging: Introduced in 2012, the PCO saved the city $10 million in that first year, with more savings expected in 2013."
FULL STORY: Chicago's Better Way to Dig Up the Streets

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?

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.

Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
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