Big questions remain about how Dallas will address preservation controversies in the future. Meanwhile the past hangs in the balance.
"Yesterday’s long-awaited developments — actually, the lack of developments — related to the Downtown Historic Preservation Task Force’s ideas for protecting our city’s history were maddening," according to an op-ed by Sharon Grigsby.
To sum up her frustration, Grigsby writes: "Judging by the foot-dragging yesterday by the Arts, Culture and Libraries Committee, the task force did a lot of work just to have it swatted away for the time being."
Grigsby also provides a summary of the controversial events that led to the creation of the task force, such as the surprise demolition of storefronts along Elm and Maine. Grigsby notes that the Dallas Morning News editorial board met with task force members last week, encountering optimism that the group had formulated an actionable plan. The Arts, Culture and Libraries Committee, however, quickly put an end to that enthusiasm by only passing one of the items suggested by the task force.
Robert Wilsonky reports the news of the council committee's actions, especially the details on the ordinance that moved forward and the actions that the committee delayed.
FULL STORY: Dallas preservation task force ideas get a big City Hall brush-off

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie