University of Georgia College of Environment and Design Professor Jack Crowley has taken to the pages of a local publication to explain some of the thinking behind the proposed Downtown Athens Master Plan.
Writing for the local publication Flagpole, University of Georgia College of Environment and Design Professor Jack Crowley recently published the fifth article in a series detailing a proposed Downtown Master Plan for Athens, Georgia.
The fifth, and most recent, article examines the controversial case for rail in the university town. Crowley begins by acknowledging, “any form of evolution away from big cars on big highways is always controversial,” but goes on to explain the importance of density in determining route options and point out that the dense conditions on campus at the University of Georgia provide the necessary demand for rail service.
Earlier articles break down the plan into “bite-sized” portions, including 1) an introduction to the master planning process and the context for the effort, 2) a discussion of the plan’s bike infrastructure improvements, 3) an explanation of the plan’s proposed pedestrian improvements, and 4) a description of the plan’s parks and open space components.
FULL STORY: The Downtown Master Plan: Light Rail Skepticism

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?

The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.

San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan
The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.

Housing, Supportive Service Providers Brace for Federal Cuts
Organizations that provide housing assistance are tightening their purse strings and making plans for maintaining operations if federal funding dries up.

Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
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