More apparel sales will move online, and department stores will continue to struggle in 2017.

Credit Suisse predicts that 2017 will see more store closings than any year in 2000s. "About 3,600 store closings have been announced this year. Credit Suisse estimates that about 8,640 stores will ultimately close by December," Hayley Peterson writes for Business Insider.
These closings would hit malls harder than other store locations, in part because of recent trends toward more shopping at discount stores, which are traditionally located outside of malls. The bank estimates a quarter of malls will close in the next five years.
FULL STORY: Wall Street bank says a quarter of shopping malls will close in 5 years

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.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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Planning for Universal Design
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Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
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Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
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City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
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