It's surprising to see places named with racially offensive words in 2016—no matter what your take on political correctness.
Knute Berger reports on the efforts in Washington State to rename landmarks and other places bearing racist monikers. State Sen. Pramila Jayapal, who is also a Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress, is spearheading the effort. "Working with the Washington Department of Natural Resources, [Jayapal] has identified 36 racially offensive names of geographic features around the state," and is leading a coordinated effort to change them, report Berger.
These names include Jim Crow Creek in Wahkiakum County, Negro Spring in Douglas County, Redman Slough in Grays Harbor County, Chinamans Hat in Kittitas County, and nearly a score of Squaw creeks, lakes, peaks and other features. There are half a dozen other Coon features, although some might be named after raccoons. Find a full list here.
Berger also includes details on the "laborious" process required to change place names in Washington, which goes through the Washington State Board on Geographic Names, under the Washington Department of Natural Resources.
FULL STORY: BREAKING: Racist names to be scrubbed from Washington maps
Report: How Outdated Zoning Rules Still Shape Boston
Classist and racist zoning decisions from decades past reverberate in today’s neighborhoods.
The Pseudoscientific Foundations of Racist Planning Practices
Racist and colonialist narratives in old geography textbooks help explain the prevalence of segregationist and discriminatory policies and other nasty planning practices. It’s time to understand and reconcile.
Complaint Blames Bay Delta Ecological Crisis on Racism
Advocates hope to enlist the federal government in forcing state regulators to set clean water standards for the San Francisco Bay Delta.
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?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
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.
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
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions