Pulling in community members and a network of local nonprofits, Phoenix's "Spaces of Opportunity" is an attempt to make urban farming something more than a catchphrase.

The dream is to make local produce available in a suburban food desert. As for the implementation, we'll have to see. For its urban farming project in Phoenix, called "Spaces of Opportunity," DSGN AGNC used a hybrid design approach: bottom-up as well as top-down. Sam Lubell writes, "the firm comes up with a plan, but then the community inevitably changes it to better meet their needs, and then the designers scramble to catch up with an adjusted plan."
The overall plan involves taking a parcel of land and laying out "segmented plots for community gardens and incubator farms. Master farmers will teach apprentices agrarian skills, helping them progress so they can get their own plots to work." Local nonprofits, philanthropists, and community members are actively honing the design, which has broadened to include multiple community-focused uses.
And that's probably a good thing. "Incorporating so many types of uses has helped not only with interest, but also with fundraising." With construction currently underway, DSGN AGNC principal Quilian Riano hopes this model will help urban farming take off in earnest.
FULL STORY: Urban farming in suburban Phoenix becomes the basis for an entire community hub

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.

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
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

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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