The Edmonton city council struggles with how to turn design guidelines into attractive buildings.
Edmonton has no lack of city planning documents "full of good intentions about how to design attractive buildings, create lively, pedestrian-friendly streets, preserve the character of neighbourhoods and combine residential and retail uses downtown." According to a new report by the city planning department, these guidelines have failed to "uphold standards of design that promote healthy communities, preserve unique neighbourhoods and build a vibrant downtown." Planning guidelines have already been worked out, yet it is clear that building standards alone are not enough. The question now is "how far the city should go in requiring developers to meet improved architectural standards?"
Thanks to Zvi Leve
FULL STORY: A wise design for downtown architecture

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

BLM To Rescind Public Lands Rule
The change will downgrade conservation, once again putting federal land at risk for mining and other extractive uses.

Indy Neighborhood Group Builds Temporary Multi-Use Path
Community members, aided in part by funding from the city, repurposed a vehicle lane to create a protected bike and pedestrian path for the summer season.
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