Originally intended for permanent farmland and open space, Davis, CA will consider whether 391 acres along its eastern edge should instead be used for a business technology park, reports Mark Anderson.
Three years ago, the City of Davis bought 391 acres of land with the intention of permanently conserving it as open space. Known as “Mace Curve” and “Leland Ranch”, the property is located on the city's eastern edge. Almost 75% percent of it is prime farmland.
The city partnered with the Yolo Land Trust to apply for a Natural Resources Conservation Services grant to put the land into a conservation easement, which is still in progress. However, before the process is complete, the City Council voted to explore other possible uses for the land, including a business technology park.
The site is one of the last large pieces of land left in the city, and business leaders want more space to grow. “This is not ‘build it and they will come,’” Councilwoman Rochelle Swanson said. “This is ‘build it or they will leave.’”
FULL STORY: Davis Explores Options for Mace Boulevard Farmland

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