Stockton, California symbolized the worst effects of the Great Recession on local governments—not to mention, to some, California's decline.
After entering into bankruptcy in 2012, Stockton, California finally exited bankruptcy, according to Liz Farmer, "when a federal judge approved the city’s exit plan and allowed city retires and employees to keep their public pension benefits."
"Stockton had stood its ground on the pressure to reduce its pensions, arguing that doing so would cause a mass exodus of employees and put the city at an extreme competitive disadvantage in hiring new employees. Of particular concern was the prospect of losing police officers as Stockton has struggled with skyrocketing crime rates since it laid off cops prior to filing for bankruptcy."
Stockton was one of three cities in California to enter Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection during the recession—Vallejo exited in 2011 and San Bernardino's case is still pending.
FULL STORY: Judge Rules Stockton Can Exit Bankruptcy
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Wind Energy on the Rise Despite Federal Policy Reversal
The Trump administration is revoking federal support for renewable energy, but demand for new projects continues unabated.
Passengers Flock to Caltrain After Electrification
The new electric trains are running faster and more reliably, leading to strong ridership growth on the Bay Area rail system.
Texas Churches Rally Behind ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ Legislation
Religious leaders want the state to reduce zoning regulations to streamline leasing church-owned land to housing developers.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
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