The age-old competition between cities to attract convention business is getting its latest public debate in Dallas, where stakeholders are preparing a proposal to bring the city's convention center into the modern era.
Karen Robinson-Jacobs: "The head of a mayoral task force looking at the next steps for the aging Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center said Thursday the committee will recommend that something — repair, expansion or both — be done."
The committee fears that the city's convention center has fallen behind competitors, such as Houston, Austin, and Denver. The committee is expected to present a report with options and cost estimates for improving the facility in the next 30 to 60 days.
The project already has one champion, according to Robinson-Jacobs: "Phillip Jones, head of the visitors bureau, has been pushing for more than a year for an investment in the convention center, which he said is not properly configured to attract modern conventions."
FULL STORY: Task force head concludes Dallas Convention Center needs upgrades to keep up with competitors

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