The city of Austin hopes that virtual reality can connect foreign investors and proposed development projects in need of funding.

"Through the use of virtual reality, the city of Austin is turning to the thriving local video game industry to help attract overseas investors and billions of dollars in new economic development money," according to an article by Chad Swiatecki.
"The hope is that local developers can create a mobile app that will utilize virtual or augmented reality technology to showcase some of Austin’s most attractive development projects that are waiting for big investors to get them moving," explains Swiatecki.
To prove the city's interest in deploying virtual reality as a tool for marketing the city's development projects, the city's Economic Development Department released a request for qualifications on November 8 for the development of an app.
FULL STORY: Virtual reality expected to help city attract billions in foreign investment

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.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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