The Obama Presidential Center is still controversial, but it has also taken a key first step in the approvals process.

"As expected, the Chicago City Council on Wednesday approved measures to allow construction of the Obama Presidential Center," reports Lolly Bowean.
The City Council vote "means the Obama Foundation can move forward into federal reviews of the project with city support as a badge of endorsement."
The foundation must also still "secure a formal long-term contract to lease Jackson Park from the city" and fundraise the expected $500 million cost of the presidential center. The article also includes more detail of the tricky political issues the presidential center has raised, and still will require navigation before the project is complete.
FULL STORY: Obama Presidential Center gets green light from full City Council

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

Judge Orders Release of Frozen IRA, IIJA Funding
The decision is a victory for environmental groups who charged that freezing funds for critical infrastructure and disaster response programs caused “real and irreparable harm” to communities.

‘Clybourne Park’ Sets Stage for Housing Equity Discussions
Clybourne Park, a play exploring race, real estate, and community tensions, can set the stage for discussion on the lasting impacts of housing discrimination, gentrification, and the fight for affordability.

Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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