The American Institute of Architects conferred its top award—the Gold Medal—posthumously to Julia Morgan in December 2013, making her the first woman to receive the honor.
Morgan (1872-1957) studied at UC Berkeley and at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris, going on to create over 700 buildings—most located in California. The Planning Report published a tribute to recognize this exceptional architect's legacy, featuring a speech delivered at the 2014 AIA National Convention in Chicago by Beverly Willis, FAIA.
Willis notes: "Would you believe that as recently as 1978, when we were discussing the Equal Rights Amendment, the president of the AIA declared to the press that he would never hire a woman architect? On behalf of these women practitioners, I express our collective and respectful anger."
She goes on: "Historically important women designers are still not in the history books. But conversely, at this moment, on this day, in the history of AIA, I express our collective joy... I return to my words from 36 years ago: The AIA must reaffirm its moral commitment as architects to the goals and ideals of architecture and humanity. With the award of this Gold Medal to Julia Morgan today, which her family proudly accepts, the AIA has indeed reaffirmed its commitment as architects to its democratic ideals. This is a proud moment for us all."
FULL STORY: AIA Honors Architect Julia Morgan with Gold Medal—Finally!

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.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service