Does public art make a difference, and how? ASLA's The Dirt blog looks at all the ways public art is effective, from job creation and real estate value to cultural cache and tourism.
Gary Steuer, chief cultural officer of Philadelphia, was part of a recent debate over quantifying the value of public art. He says that there is still some question over whether public art has a purely "intrinsic" or "instrumental" value:
"Intrinsic value relates to the aesthetic value of any work of art, its own value as a piece of artistic expression. Instrumental value relates to the ability of art to educate, create jobs, increase real estate value, create citizens, increase tourism, and provide other benefits."
ASLA cites a couple of examples of innovative public art projects in Massachusetts, Brooklyn, San Francisco and New Orleans.
FULL STORY: The Many Benefits of Public Art

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
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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
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Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
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New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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