Ross Stores continues its expansion in the face of a much-foretold retail apocalypse. The shopping experience it provides may be one reason it can stand up to Amazon.

The impending death of retail has been much-debated. The narrative that Amazon (in particular) will supplant brick and mortar stores confronts those who argue that retail is here to stay. Meanwhile, Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods has prompted another round of debate.
Here, Melissa Wylie compiles coverage of Ross Stores, a popular chain that might be immune to the Amazon effect. Wylie writes, "The company opened stores across 22 states and nearly half are located in the Midwest, Ross' newest market, per Chain Store Age. CEO Barbara Rentler led Ross Stores in adding 96 locations in 2017, bringing the company total to 1,412 stores in 37 states [...]"
One line of thinking ascribes Ross's success to the experience it provides: "the experience of shopping at Ross, which usually involves sorting through messy piles of clothes and household goods, is 'un-Amazonable.'"
FULL STORY: The 'un-Amazonable' Ross just keeps growing

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.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service