New federal programs are enabling planning processes that deliver positive outcomes for a broader scope of the population. Seattle provides an example of how federal money is supporting the success of inclusive planning processes.
Alexis Stephens shares news of a recent report by the Institute for Sustainable Communities that evaluates the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Sustainable Communities Initiative (SCI). The Better Plans for Better Places report provides positive reinforcement for SCI as a shift in the federal approach to planning—away from "pretty renderings" and toward considerations of affordability and inclusion.
Stephens examines the case studies provided by a community challenge grant awarded to the city of Seattle, totaling $3 million "to prevent residential, cultural and commercial displacement connected to the 2009 expansion of the city’s light-rail line…"
Stephens goes on detail the processes of the Community Cornerstones project enabled in part by the grant, which achieved laudable outcomes in pursuit of three key goals: "new affordable family-sized housing near the new light-rail stations, support for the multicultural business districts in southeast Seattle, and support for cultural organizations through the creation of a shared, multicultural community center."
FULL STORY: Shifting Planning From Pretty Renderings to Affordability and Inclusion
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Seattle Ponders a New Approach to Zoning for its Comprehensive Plan Update
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
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Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
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Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
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Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
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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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