Recent reports have revealed weaknesses in the big box business model. Will Wal-Mart’s new urban stores be as successful as its outdated model?

Several recent articles have examined the evolving business model exemplified most famously by Wal-Mart.
Krystina Gustafson reported that revenues for big box retailers like Wal-Mart declined as gas prices rose around the country in recent years.
Meanwhile, Charles Marohn wonders how willing taxpayers will be to subsidize the shift in business models after “peak Wal-Mart.”
And Edward McMahon provides an in-depth examination of new urban Wal-Marts, for example two new stores that opened on December 4, 2013, in Washington D.C.—one of which has neither surface parking nor setbacks.
FULL STORY: Walmart Stores Go Small and Urban

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.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

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.
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