London, Ontario has been focused on retaining and embracing its creative class. The city remains optimistic that it's on the right track toward becoming a creative city--which has been good news for its economy.
"The city's planning, environment and community services departments remain highlights for their continued efforts along with a number of other departments. There is now a culture division at City Hall and it is getting additional staff soon. Other efforts, however, have failed to materialize or are being delayed because of the lack of staffing support in a meaningful manner. While there is support from council in moving this agenda forward, not everyone realizes culture's impact on our economy."
"Controller [Gord] Hume points to specific examples of council's support like the public art reserve fund, the urban design review panel, support of the Potter's Guild, rental agreement that will save downtown's Capital Theatre façade, partnerships with Western, Fanshawe and Brescia, the tree and forest advisory committee, the recent establishment of the London Heritage Council, Communities in Bloom, a 2007 conference on disabilities in the arts, and an upcoming diversity conference set for Oct. 28-29, among others. London has also been recognized during this period as both an age and youth friendly community."
FULL STORY: Creative city? There are positive signs of progress

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.

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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.
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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.
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Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
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