The Dallas Observer's city hall blog has been tracking -- literally by the minute -- the city's proposed comprehensive plan that's pushing mixed use development and meeting a local government's support, skepticism, and outright absenteeism.
Various blog entries over the past couple of days have been chronicling the comprehensive plan's path to a vote, which was approved by the Dallas City Council June 14. The Observer's coverage depicts the city's officials as mostly uninterested in the public's opinion about the plan, reporting that Dallas Mayor Laura Miller didn't even show up to the vote.
"Yesterday evening, her absence from council chambers during the heartfelt, at times contentious discussion over ForwardDallas!, the comprehensive plan that threatens/promises to reshape the city in Portland-based urban planner John Fregonese’s image in coming years, was the source of some debate: Should the mayor have been tending to the business of two airlines who employ thousands living in Dallas, or should she have been at council listening to and talking to hundreds of people begging to be heard about a plan affecting millions?"
FULL STORY: The Bawl at City Hall
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
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.
Greening Oakland’s School Grounds
With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.
California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas
Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.
Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship
In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.
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.
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