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"The Experimental City" is a documentary about the Minnesota Experimental City project, a futuristic attempt to solve urban problems by creating a full-size city from scratch in the isolated woods of northern Minnesota.  At the heart of the story is renowned scientist, inventor and comic-strip author Athelstan Spilhaus, who dreams of a new kind of planned city -- a truly experimental city that continuously changes to find workable urban solutions.  This new city would employ the newest technologies in communications, transport, pollution control, energy supply -- even large-scale domed enclosure -- in an attempt to create more livable cities for the 21st Century.

It was a compelling vision, with powerful backers, hundreds of experts, and its own state agency.  But not everyone fell in line with this newfangled vision for the future...

Sponsored by the Department of Urban Studies & Planning (DUSP) and the Massachusetts Association for Consulting Planners (MACP), with movie snacks and opportunities to network with urban planners and colleagues before/after the show.

More information available here.

Curbed Architecture Critic Alexandra Lange provides everything you need to know about the $25 billion, "city within the city" that opened to the public in Manhattan today. Also, the review isn't exactly positive.

Carol Thomas, founding  member of MACP, first woman to be president of AICP,  professor,  mentor, friend, and colleague, has died.  A planner for over 70 years, Carol was a leader in the profession and inspired many. 

A memorial service will be held  Sat., July 13 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Church Boston, corner of Marlborough and Berkeley streets, Boston.

Carol Thomas in China, 1991 (John DePriest, photo)

At the 2019 CPTC conference, on Saturday March 16, 2019, planning directors and planning board representatives learned from MACP members the nuts and bolts and tips on how to write an RFP for professional services that complies with Ch. 30B regulations, accurately represents what services and deliverable are desired, and attracts responsive and high-quality proposals for professional planning services.

See the link below to download the presentation.

MACP_RFP CPTC_20190316.pdf

It's not all free flowing commutes and world peace in an autonomous vehicle-filled future.

Even Cambridge — which took up the anticar cause decades ago — can’t get more residents to give up their vehicles.

A decade ago it seemed like biking and walking was making a comeback that could change the commuting culture of the United States.

https://www.planetizen.com/node/102862?utm_source=newswire&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news-02142019&mc_cid=33b51a5fba&mc_eid=b9p0fICGm0

Opponents of bills to promote transit oriented housing development throughout California need to do the math and develop some state pride.

https://www.planetizen.com/node/102902?utm_source=newswire&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news-02142019&mc_cid=33b51a5fba&mc_eid=b9p0fICGm0 

https://www.citylab.com/transportation/2019/01/commuting-to-work-data-car-public-transit-bike/580507/

We are cleaving into two nations—one where daily life revolves around the car, and the other where the car is receding in favor of walking, biking, and transit.

https://www.ci.southbridge.ma.us/human-resources/news/position-available-town-plannerconservation-agent-0

Town Planner & Conservation Agent, Economic Development and Planning – Town of Southbridge

The Town of Southbridge seeks qualified candidates for the full time position of Town Planner/Conservation Agent in the Economic Development & Planning Department.

Responsibilities include providing specialized technical, administrative, and customer service support to the department, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, and other Town Boards/Commissions as required.

Professional expertise, critical thinking and interpersonal skills needed to accomplish varied functions ranging from routine to complex. Master’s degree in Urban/Regional Planning, Environmental Planning, or related field with 3 plus years of experience in a municipality preferred, or Bachelor’s degree in Urban/Regional Planning, Environmental Planning or a related field, with 5 plus years of experience in a municipality; Knowledge of practices, processes, and principles of municipal planning and permitting, including associated Massachusetts and federal statutes governing land use/zoning/conservation and the Wetlands and Rivers Protection Acts. Experience providing staff support to a Planning Board a must. AICP certification preferred. Experience working with Conservation Commissions and ZBAs a plus. MS-4 certification a plus.

Hiring salary range $63,319 - $72,817 per year.

Submit cover letter, resume and Town of Southbridge Employment Application to Town Manager’s office: 41 Elm Street, Southbridge, MA 01550, or fax to (508)764-5425 or email to kferron@southbridgemass.org.

Position open until filled, with best consideration given to applications received by February 7, 2019 when review of applications will commence.