Anthony Flint asks: What can we learn from the failures of Boston's Big Dig about what needs to change about planning and building mega-projects?
"The Big Dig is a unique and complex project. But the context for building it deserves examination. Out of the tragedy come some compelling lessons about the integrity - and the limitations - of city-building and mega-projects.
...The caricature of the Big Dig is that it was a treasure trove of jobs and federal funding. But it's neither the boondoggle nor the corruption sinkhole it's been made out to be. It was a hugely ambitious undertaking that had to deal with one curve ball after another, whether unstable soil, 300-year-old building foundations, or how to make sure long stretches of tunnels are ventilated in a fire or emergency.
...Infrastructure projects such as the Big Dig will require big money, innovation and resolve; mega-projects need to be executed with the kind of pride in craftsmanship that gave us the stone bridges of Frederick Law Olmsted's parks 100 years ago."
Thanks to Anthony Flint
FULL STORY: The Big Problem

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

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

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses
The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund
A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards
Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.
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.
Ada County Highway District
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service