The F.B.I. is looking into allegations the Building Inspection Departmentpromotes dirty dealing in its inspections.
San Francisco Building Inspectors are the subject of an F.B.I. investigationfor alleged encouragement and taking of bribes and other illegal activity. Thebureau never offers affirmation or denial of investigations, but several S.F.residents report meeting with federal agents regarding problems they'veexperienced with inspectors who've demanded money for permit approval andfalsely represented a project as a repair job when it was actually athree-story addition. The Building Inspection Department categorically deniesany misdoings in general and the F.B.I. investigation specifically. Theinvestigation started when an inspector allegedly demanded money from a couplefor a building permit and asked it be a check made out to cash. After thecouple questioned the department, the check was returned uncashed.
Thanks to Laura Krafft
FULL STORY: FBI Probing S.F. Building Inspectors Department accused of kickbacks, playing favorites

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

Test News Post 1
This is a summary

Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service