In Michigan as elsewhere, fiscal distress accentuates the need for reforming wasteful development patterns.
"...Bad times accentuate cost consciousness, and sprawl is incredibly costly, as numerous reports from around the states have made clear. In good times, of course, sprawl accelerates, prompting public outcry. One result: Farmland preservation came to the fore in the late 1990s as Michigan urbanized land an astounding eight times faster than it added population. But when the economy slows and tax collections sag, another rationale for reform comes to the fore: the huge costs to state and local government of providing new highways, new schools and new water pipes to ever-more-far-flung subdivisions."
Thanks to Kurt Sommer
FULL STORY: Smart growth saves money

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.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont