New report calculates the economic and environmental impact of the dramatic loss of trees in the Houston area due to sprawl and development.
"Using satellite imagery and aerial photography, [a]nonprofit organization [American Forests] documented the gradual decline of the region's urban canopy, an area covering 3.2 million acres, as a result of sprawl and development...While the study shows today's trees are providing financial and ecological benefits worth millions of dollars, millions more would have been saved and the environment would have remained cleaner if more trees had been retained and protected during the study period." [Link to 12-page report in PDF format (1.04MB - approx. 2.5 minutes at 56kbps). Report includes color maps.]
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
FULL STORY: Urban Ecosystem Analysis for the Houston Gulf Coast Region

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.

Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.

German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie