Municipal officials and staff in Anchorage, Alaska, are hard at work drafting an updated land use plan that incorporates modern planning principles in the city's vision for development.

Anchorage Press reporter Zach Fields writes:
People who move to Anchorage are often shocked by how ugly and poorly planned the city is, in stark contrast to its surroundings. After decades of non-existent and then poor planning, the municipality finally is embarking on a comprehensive planning effort to rationalize development and strengthen the city's potential for economic growth. It can’t come soon enough: As low oil prices drain the state budget, Anchorage’s economic vitality will become increasingly reliant on attracting skilled professionals who want to live here because of the region’s unique amenities. Local business leaders are emphasizing that this is the new economic development paradigm: Attract people with good quality of life, and business will follow. Good urban quality of life is impossible without good urban planning and good urban design.
FULL STORY: Urban Planning for Anchorage?

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.
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