Developers are having to wait longer for project approvals, which may slow the city's recovery from Hurricane Katrina. HUD has denied the city's request to hire more staff using federal money.
"The city's former chief technology officer says he knows of a way to hire more city planners. But federal officials say the idea won't fly.
Greg Meffert, who resigned July 14, said the city can hire more planners using community development block grants, a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The CDBG program has an allocation for planning, he said.
'I think you'd be able to get at least eight or 10 more planners,' said Meffert. The CPC staffing problem was the last action item he worked on before resigning.
HUD spokesman Brian Sullivan said block grants can pay for people to develop rebuilding plans but not to hire full-time staff."
FULL STORY: City Planning staff shortage slows post-K projects
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.
Rebuilding Smarter: How LA County Is Guiding Fire-Ravaged Communities Toward Resilience
Los Angeles County is leading a coordinated effort to help fire-impacted communities rebuild with resilience by providing recovery resources, promoting fire-wise design, and aligning reconstruction with broader sustainability and climate goals.
When Borders Blur: Regional Collaboration in Action
As regional challenges outgrow city boundaries, “When Borders Blur” explores how cross-jurisdictional collaboration can drive smarter, more resilient urban planning, sharing real-world lessons from thriving partnerships across North America.
Philadelphia Is Expanding its Network of Roundabouts
Roundabouts are widely shown to decrease traffic speed, reduce congestion, and improve efficiency.
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