Tacoma, Washington is attempting to approach homeless encampments from a public health perspective.
In May, Tacoma declared homeless encampments a "public health emergency," which it sought to alleviate by supplying the camps with clean water and portable toilets. Now, city leaders hope that existing homeless communities will consolidate in a new encampment under the auspices of the city.
In addition to a perimeter fence and security guards, the new site is outfitted with a 100-by-70-foot tent to "shade, protect, and conceal" the camp, reports William James for KNKX.
Residents of existing encampments were required to clear out by June 30 regardless of whether they joined the new camp. In interviews with James, some said they were relieved to have a place where their property might be safer from theft. But there was also concern about what rules might govern the city-sanctioned site, and how they will be enforced.
Read the full story: Tacoma Wants To Move Homeless People Into A Giant Tent. Will They Go?
Will Appeal of Landmark Appeals Court Ruling Allow for Clearing of Tent Cities?
If the Supreme Court hears an appeal of a landmark U.S. Ninth Circuit Court case settled in April, the ruling would have widespread implications for dealing with homeless encampments throughout the West, perhaps nowhere more so than Los Angeles.
Lawsuit Challenges Cincinnati's Homeless Encampment Ban
The ACLU will challenge Hamilton County's ban on tent cities in court.
New Phoenix and Oakland Homelessness Plans Prioritize Prevention, Permanent Housing
Phoenix’s unsheltered homeless population grew by 28 percent last year.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority