Bloomberg Philanthropies recognized nine cities leading the trend toward better use of data in city governance practices.

"Bloomberg Philanthropies announced the inaugural group of cities to achieve the What Works Cities certification, a designation which recognizes how cities incorporate data and evidence into governance," reports Kristin Musulin. In all, nine cities earned some level of certification.
"Los Angeles became the first city to earn a gold-level certification due to its "impressive track record" with data-driven initiatives," adds Musulin. "Boston, San Diego, San Francisco, Washington, New Orleans, Seattle, Louisville, KY and Kansas City, MO earned silver-level certification."
The announcement of the certifications comes just a few weeks after Bloomberg Philanthropies announced that enrollment in What Works Cities had reached 100 participants.
FULL STORY: Los Angeles earns first gold-level What Works Cities data certification

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?

California Creates Housing-Focused Agency
Previously, the state’s housing and homelessness programs fell under a grabbag department that also regulates the alcohol industry, car mechanics, and horse racing.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Baker Creek Pavilion: Blending Nature and Architecture in Knoxville
Knoxville’s urban wilderness planning initiative unveils the "Baker Creek Pavilion" to increase the city's access to green spaces.
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