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'

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie