Stockton, California symbolized the worst effects of the Great Recession on local governments—not to mention, to some, California's decline.
After entering into bankruptcy in 2012, Stockton, California finally exited bankruptcy, according to Liz Farmer, "when a federal judge approved the city’s exit plan and allowed city retires and employees to keep their public pension benefits."
"Stockton had stood its ground on the pressure to reduce its pensions, arguing that doing so would cause a mass exodus of employees and put the city at an extreme competitive disadvantage in hiring new employees. Of particular concern was the prospect of losing police officers as Stockton has struggled with skyrocketing crime rates since it laid off cops prior to filing for bankruptcy."
Stockton was one of three cities in California to enter Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection during the recession—Vallejo exited in 2011 and San Bernardino's case is still pending.
FULL STORY: Judge Rules Stockton Can Exit Bankruptcy
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.
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