This week, voters in Philadelphia will decide on a ballot measure that could realign city government to create a new Department of Planning and Development.

If voters approve it, an amendment to Philly's Home Rule Charter would result in a new Department of Planning and Development, led by a cabinet-level director in the Mayor's Office. The newly formed department would consolidate oversight of "the City's planning, zoning, development services and housing and community development functions" reports Jared Brey of PlanPhilly.
“For too long, offices that have a role in development were permitted to row in different directions and not communicate with each other, creating a confusing and frustrating environment for those who want to help Philadelphia grow and prosper,” [City Council President Darrell Clarke] wrote in a letter to civic groups earlier this week. “More significantly, this confusion allowed city government to evade accountability. If Ballot Question No. 2 is approved, the buck will stop with one Department head who reports directly to the mayor.”
If approved, Brey reports the newly created cabinet level position will be paid an annual salary of $150,000 and the new department will be split into three divisions, including development services, planning and zoning, and a division of housing and community development.
FULL STORY: Proposal to coordinate planning and development on Tuesday's ballot

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.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses
The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund
A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards
Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.
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.
Ada County Highway District
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
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