But surely there are more corporate retailers to criticize in 2006?
"This was a tough year for Wal-Mart, which took tons of public relations hits from all fronts. For me, this was a year when I began to question why Wal-Mart takes all of the heat when so many other corporate interests are likewise hell bent on destroying all that once made our cities and towns unique in this country" says Jim Walker. "Who needs a local sporting goods store that hires kids from the basketball team to work there summers and knows everybody by their first name when you have a mammoth Dick's?" What to do? "Why not make a New Year's resolution to think a little harder about how and where you spend your money?"
FULL STORY: Where the heart is

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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.
City of Edmonds
City of Albany
Harvard GSD Executive Education
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research