An annual report analyzing the "State of the City" speeches of 100 mayors finds remarkable consistency in messaging.

Kelsey E. Thomas reports on the "2016 State of the Cities" report, released recently by the National League of Cities. Like in its previous iterations, the report performs a semantic analysis of the "State of the City" speeches for 100 cities from around the country, "including large cities like Los Angeles and Austin as well as midsize and smaller cities such as Eugene, Oregon, and Duluth, Minnesota," writes Thomas.
According to the report, "economic development was the top topic for mayors for the third year running, with 75 percent of mayors devoting 'significant coverage' to the theme in their speeches." Public Safety and Budgets followed in the second and third position of prominence. Infrastructure, previously at the second position on the list, fell to fourth.
According to Thomas, "[m]ore mayors talked about housing issues than ever before, largely driven by discussions of affordable housing."
FULL STORY: What 100 Mayoral Speeches Say About Urban America

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?

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.

Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
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