Despite a critical housing shortage and badly needed road repairs, the city of Biloxi sees an influx of casinos due to a change in state legislation.
Sensing a concern for safety in the aftermath of Katrina, the casinos petitioned with state legislators to allow them to build on land because it would be easier for casino employees and guests if the gambling floors were on land to evacuate if and when the next hurricane arrives. This new language is a drastic change to previous zoning requirements which stated that non-gambling elements such as hotel and restaurants may be on land but the casinos themselves had to be on barges.
Now, with Biloxi's new Master Plan, 18 to 20 casinos could emerge in 5 to 10 years, up from 2 in 2005. Why? In part, the casino operators have been helped by a post-Katrina federal tax credit that is designed to spur redevelopment. This tax credit is due to expire by the end 2008.
Despite the protests from religious conservatives, who say that Biloxi is just the beginning as the casinos push northward, the mayor of Biloxi is firmly committed to bringing in as many casinos as possible to compete with the likes of Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
FULL STORY: Casinos emerge as winners in wake of Katrina

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.

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?

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.

NYC Outdoor Dining Could Get a Re-Do
The city council is considering making the al fresco dining program year-round to address cost concerns from small businesses.
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