Japan prioritizes technological advancement to grow its economy.

Reuters reports on a series of technological plans announced in a recent government strategic review for the country of Japan—the country plans to test a driverless car system on public roads sometime this year, in time for deployment at the 2020 Olympics and commercialization in 2022.
The strategy also targets the year 2022 for the development of "virtual power plants" by the year 2022. A virtual power plant is the term used to describe a networking of small energy production and storage facilities systems, allowing collective efficiency.
FULL STORY: Japan looks to launch driverless car system in Tokyo by 2020

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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