A compendium of the most discussed examples of news and commentary regarding the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States—but only what's directly relevant to the fields of planning and urban design.
It's been a world full of hot takes, propaganda, fake news, and fear mongering—from all sides of the political spectrum—since Donald Trump was elected. There has also been insightful commentary and careful journalism.
But it's been hard to piece the useful narratives together and parse out the valuable lessons that will be of use as we decide how participate in the work of planning and building the future of the country and the world over the next four to eight years. Here's a list of some of the most relevant and valuable stories that we've encountered in first week of this strange new time.
- "How to Start Thinking About What a Trump Presidency Means for Cities," by Anthony Flint for CityLab. (Also detailed by Planetizen contributing editor Casey Brazeal.)
- "Tracking Your Questions on the Trump Transition," by Gracie McKenzie for CityLab.
- "Most people are wildly underestimating what Trump’s win will mean for the environment," by David Roberts and Brad Plumer for Vox.
- "Urban Laboratories of Democracy," by William Fulton for the California Planning & Development Report.
- "Calexit in Reverse," by Josh Stephens for the California Planning & Development Report.
- "What a Trump presidency means for New Urbanism," by Lynn Richards for the Congress for New Urbanism's Public Square.
- "Beware Donald Trump’s Infrastructure Plan," by David Dayen for New Republic.
- "Cities in the Age of Trump," by Zach Shaner for the Seattle Transit Blog.
- "What Trump Could Mean for Seattle," by Erica C. Barnett for The C Is for Crank.
- "No, Trump Won’t Be 'Good For Cities,'" by Erica C. Barnett for The C Is for Crank.
- "Trump transition team begins minority outreach with 'new deal for Black America,'" by Reena Flores for CBS News.
- "AIA pledges to work with Donald Trump, membership recoils," by the Editors of The Architect's Newspaper. (Also detailed by Planetizen.)
- "Watch: Robert Ivy issues second apology for tone-deaf post-election memo," by the Editors of The Architect's Newspaper.
- "'Let us not be complicit in building Trump’s wall!': US architects battle over helping Donald Trump," by Anne Quito for Quartz.
FULL STORY: President Donald Trump
Transportation Secretary's Resignation Announcement Greeted With Derision
Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao became the first cabinet secretary to announce her resignation due to the storming of the Capitol by Trump supporters, but at least one high-profile member of congress has derided the announcement.
Trump's Legacy: Climate Change
The Biden administration and effects of time will erase some of the consequences of the Trump administration's methodical dismantling of the nation's environmental regulation. But climate change will be around longer than any of it.
What Biden's Win Could Mean for Land Use, Transportation, and Climate
Campaign in poetry and govern in prose, the saying goes. Now that the reality of a Biden presidency is settling in, what does it mean for how the United States plans its future?
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Supporting Cycling Takes More Than Just Bike Lanes
Safe, protected bike lanes are a key part of a city’s bike infrastructure — but secure parking, e-bike charging, and other amenities can also influence people’s shift to cycling.
Judge Blocks Anti-DEI Rules for Transportation, Housing Grants
A second injunction blocks the Trump administration from enforcing new regulations for federal funding.
Unhoused People in San Jose Could Face Arrest if They Refuse Shelter
A policy proposed by the city’s mayor would give law enforcement the option to arrest homeless residents if they refuse three offers of housing.
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