Calling Chicago a "city on the brink", the editors of the Chicago Tribune issue an "RFP" for residents and civic groups to put forth a vision for Chicago that can address its chronic woes, ensure its survival, and inspire people to action.
Despite its recent resurgence, Chicago is beset by a number of chronic, and existential, problems: violent crime, poor performing schools, lack of well-paying jobs, troubled finances, and a need for authority figures and role models.
In light of these challenges, the Chicago Tribune has begun "a new opinion leadership campaign to create a new Plan of Chicago, modeled in the spirit of Burnham's blueprint for the city's future."
"Our campaign is firmly rooted in our deep love of Chicago and the fervent belief that our city can — and must — improve," explains Editor Gerould Kern. "Over the next eight Sundays, the Tribune's Editorial Board, led by Editorial Page Editor Bruce Dold, will present a series of editorials defining the challenges that lie before us and the possible solutions available to the city."
"We also turn to you, the citizens of Chicago, with a simple question and a challenge: What would you do?"
FULL STORY: We seek your help in forging a new Plan of Chicago

What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.

‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.

Montreal’s Gorilla Park Repurposes Defunct Railway Track
The park is part of a global movement to build public spaces that connect neighbors and work with local elements to serve as key parts of a city’s green infrastructure.

Art in Action: USC Event Calls for an Urgent Green Energy Transition
The El Respiro / Respire event at USC uses a large-scale human geochoreography to demand an urgent and equitable transition to green energy, blending art, activism, and community engagement to amplify the message of climate justice.

Safe Parking Programs Help People Access Housing
The safety and stability offered by Safe Parking sites have helped 40 percent of unhoused San Diego residents who accessed these programs get into permanent housing.

Study: Single-Staircase Buildings Pose No Additional Risks
Zoning codes have long prohibited single-stair residential buildings due to safety concerns, but changing that could lower the cost of construction and allow for more flexible housing designs.
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.
North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA)
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research