A St. Louis response to the Brookings Institution report that claims no new regions can develop biotechnology.
The recently released Brookings Institution report that purports to demonstrate the futility of biotechnology as a target of economic development misses the promise of the industry in St. Louis. Biotech promoters in St. Louis point out that Brookings used an unaccountably narrow definition of biotech, considered mainly very small entrepreneurial drug companies, and didn't look at plant biotech at all. In addition, the static measures examined by the Brookings report give a snapshot of yesterday's situation, one that is already out of date as the biotech picture has been changing for the better in St. Louis. St. Louis has raised large amounts of venture capital, has active business incubators, and already has a significant biotech industry presence.
Thanks to Joshua Drucker
FULL STORY: Toward a "biobelt"

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Vehicle-related Deaths Drop 29% in Richmond, VA
The seventh year of the city's Vision Zero strategy also cut the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes by half.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

Santa Monica May Raise Parking Permit Fees
The city says the changes would help better manage curb space and support its sustainability goals.

Portland Housing Bond Created Nearly 5,000 Units, But Affordability Remains Out of Reach
Despite better-than-expected results from multiple local housing bonds, housing costs and homelessness remain top of mind for many Oregonians.

Florida Law Could Eliminate Dedicated Bus Lanes
A new law calls for a minimum ridership of 6,000 passengers in the first year for new bus rapid transit lines. To date, no bus lines in the Tampa Bay region come close.
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.
Custer County Colorado
Sarasota County Government
Borough of Carlisle
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)