What makes the leading two design for the World Trade Center site competition popular?
"Early this week two of those schemes will take a giant step toward possibility. A committee representing the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, the Port Authority (which owns the site) and the mayors and governors offices is winnowing down the list of finalists. The group will consider public input, of course10,000 comment cards were filled out at the exhibit, and the LMDCs Web site has had 8 million visits. The public has spoken before, notably by trashing the lame plans first trotted out last summer and prompting the competition thats brought us to this moment. But the ultimate decision about what gets built rests with the powers that bewhoever they turn out to be."
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
FULL STORY: A Tale of Two Towers

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie