Matthew Tresaugue reports on the difficulties Texas cities such as College Station are having in living up to their green commitments in the down economy, reflecting a nationwide pattern.
During the past several years, with the assistance of federal aid and the guidance of public sector leaders, College Station was able to implement a number of green initiatives, along a path to meeting the U.S. Conference of Mayors' agreement calling for cities to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide below 1990 levels during the next few years.
However, the disappearance of federal aid and drying coffers has the city being more mindful of return on investment and being smarter about its green investment. And College Station is not alone in backing away from the Conference of Mayors' agreement.
Tresaugue reports that, "[a] recent survey of 396 cities by the mayors' group identified financial constraints as the biggest obstacle to their promises on climate protection. Limited city budgets, high up-front costs and the uncertainty of the rates of return on new technology have slowed their efforts, the survey found."
"I think green is here to stay," said [City Councilman Dave] Ruesink, the only remaining member of the council that first backed the Green College Station program. "We are no way backing away from it. What we are now looking at is how long will it take to recoup our investment."
FULL STORY: Texas cities find it can take a lot of green to be 'green'
Moab Adopts Sustainability Plan
Moab adopted a Sustainability Action Plan to map out goals and strategies for the pursuit of sustainability, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The plan was approved by the Moab City Council on December 12, 2023.
Mayors’ Meeting Focuses on Housing Crisis
As the number of unhoused Americans grows, mayors met to learn from each other and assess their needs for federal support.
Biden: Masks, Not Vaccines, Are Best Defense in Near Term
President Joe Biden is calling on all Americans to wear masks for the next 100 days to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, issuing two executive orders that require wearing masks on federal property and in domestic and international travel.
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.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie