Some residents of Tuscaloosa, Alabama believe the University of Alabama football team's success on the field has directly contributed to the region's growth.

Congratulations Alabama on winning another national championship. If past wins are any indication, the Tide's win will further propel the growth of Tuscaloosa—the home of the University of Alabama. Scott Beyer reports in Forbes that the growth of Tuscaloosa has closely mirrored the success of the football team, with both taking off around the same time Coach Nick Saban arrived in 2007.
This period has inspired a wave of alumni donations and apparel sales, and motivated season ticket holders from out of town to buy second properties there. Tuscaloosa’s population has grown 23.4% since 2000, compared to 15.7% nationally and 9.3% in Alabama. Tuscaloosa was anticipated last year to be the state’s fastest-growing metro area. From 2010-2014, it trailed only the city of Auburn—which also happens to have a successful college football team.
FULL STORY: Are Winning College Football Teams A Catalyst For Urban Growth?

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie