A new interactive mapping tool, created by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, makes the case for a renewed, regional focus on the infrastructure that moves the region.
According to an article by Rachel Dovey, "a picture is worth a thousand wonky words like 'infrastructure,' which — numerous sources have pointed out — isn’t very sexy."
To make a visual appeal to the region's lawmakers and voters, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) created a new resource that turns "piles of regional statistics into clean-but-sharp interactive maps."
The site itself is organized across a seven-county region and offers three varieties of maps: roads, transit, and freight. The website also includes a "forward" that offers a policy agenda for CMAP.
FULL STORY: Chicago Planners Map “Crumbling Infrastructure” in Exquisite Detail

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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
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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.
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Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie