Some people like to leave their work at the office. But maybe you're the kind of planner who likes to turn the largest challenges of the profession into a game to be enjoyed in your free time.
Mary Jo Bowling shares news of a Kicktarter campaign to back a new game called Bay Area Regional Planner.
According to Bowling, the game, "promises fun while players navigate the very real-world problems of where to build housing, how to lower rents, keeping commutes manageable, and preserving open space." Plus, adds Bowling, "the trickiest part of the game is this: Players have to agree on policies. As the Kickstarter pitch cheerily states: '...Get ready to compromise and make coalitions!'"
That spirit of collaboration is also built on the lessons offered by the game—i.e., that the challenges of the planning, especially in high-demand areas like the Bay Area, are not east to solve.
The game was designed by Alfred Twu, a Berkeley resident who also designed games called California Water Crisis and US High Speed Rail Game. The game already has 18 backers and has more than doubled its modest goal to collect $500. A $40 pledge buys a copy of the game.
FULL STORY: New Game Puts the Bay Area Housing Crisis in Your Hands
Vancouver Approves New Metro 2050 Regional Plan
The region around Vancouver in British Columbia has a new 30-year regional plan.
Different Approaches to Fast Growth in Idaho's Treasure Valley
Three cities on the periphery of the fast-growing Treasure Valley showcase different approaches to a sudden influx of newcomers.
Plan Bay Area 2050, Approved Last Week, Makes the Opinion Page
A traditionally controversial planning exercise, the regular update of the 30-year plan for the San Francisco Bay Area, has crossed the finish line again. Opponents aren't letting the issues rest, however.
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.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
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