Public Health

Aerial view of Ohana mental health facility in Monterey, California with wavy silver roof.

Mental Health Facility Uses Design to Improve Outcomes

Far from the drab and claustrophobic mental health facilities of cinematic fame, Ohana aims to serve patients in an aesthetically soothing, nature-driven environment.

March 27, 2024 - Bloomberg CityLab

Former public restroom under bridge in New York City.

NYC TikToker Helps You Find Public Bathrooms

After starting an interactive map to show public bathroom locations around the city, Teddy Siegel now advocates for local bills that expand public restroom access.

March 26, 2024 - Next City

Paved walkway with a few people in lush green city park with large trees and benches.

WHO Resource Database Links Planning and Public Health

The directory aims to help governments and organizations improve planning practices to build healthier, more resilient communities.

March 21, 2024 - World Health Organization

A factory smoke stack billows out black smoke into a blue sky.

24 States Sue EPA Over New Soot Pollution Limit

The agency cites health risks of air pollution as reason for the new limit; states appear concerned it will kill their economies.

March 11, 2024 - The Hill

Overhead view of multilane elevated highway with multiple levels.

The Harms of a Car-Centric World

While most of the world’s population doesn’t drive, cars have an outsized negative impact on public health, the environment, and land use.

March 7, 2024 - Streetsblog USA

Hazy view of Interstate 5 freeway in Los Angeles, California.

Study: Air Pollution Disproportionately Impacts Communities of Color

The negative effects of poor air quality occur at higher rates in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, according to new research.

March 7, 2024 - George Washington University

Three EMTs in orange uniforms putting gurney with person onto ambulance at night under freeway overpass.

Study: Unhoused People at Much Higher Risk of Death

The mortality rate among people experiencing homelessness jumped by 203 percent between 2011 and 2020.

March 5, 2024 - Governing

Elderly man and granddaughter standing on public bus.

Opinion: To Improve Health Outcomes, Invest in Public Transit

A medical student calls for improving public transit to boost the health of people and the environment.

March 3, 2024 - The Equation

Aerial view of highway through neighborhood in Oakland, California.

How Transportation Policy Impacts Public Health

One expert calls for collaboration between agencies in different fields to plan more thoughtfully for public health and equity.

February 21, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Hazy sky with Portland, Oregon skyline barely visible in background. Man walking in foreground.

Report: 25 Percent of Americans Live With Poor Air Quality

Fires and extreme heat are generating more harmful particulate matter.

February 18, 2024 - Health Day

Google street view of brick three-story public housing buildings in Dorchester, MA.

Geothermal Network Project To Benefit Boston Public Housing

A pilot program seeks to be a model for electrifying groups of buildings or entire neighborhoods.

February 13, 2024 - Utility Dive

People riding bikes on a paved bike trail.

Promoting Cycling as Public Health Measure

An argument for better bike infrastructure from a healthcare perspective.

February 9, 2024 - Healthy Debate

Freeway on-ramp sign for Interstate 15 in California.

California Commission Approves Freeway Expansion

The state Transportation Commission ultimately voted to move a controversial Inland Empire interstate project forward.

February 6, 2024 - Streetsblog California

View of hazy city skyline in yellow smog indicating extreme heat.

How Hot Will 2024 Get?

Experts predict summer temperatures could surpass 2023’s record heat waves, prompting cities to plan mitigation measures.

February 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Man sitting on bench sillhouetted against golden hour trees in tranquil park.

How To Limit Urban Noise

Environmental noise can pose serious health risks ranging from sleep disruptions to higher blood pressure.

January 31, 2024 - Strong Towns

Aerial view of Denver, Colorado skyline at dusk.

Study: How a ‘Housing First’ Approach Impacts Healthcare Access

An analysis from Denver shows that unhoused people receiving services based on a Housing First approach were more likely to access psychiatric care and had fewer emergency medical visits.

January 30, 2024 - Health Affairs

Sign with icons indicating access to multiple transportation modes in Le Havre, France

Transportation Access Is a Public Health Issue

An expert discusses the public health implications of the CDC’s new finding that 5.7 percent of Americans face unreliable transportation.

January 28, 2024 - Medical Xpress

Smoke coming out of stack at petrochemical plant in Louisiana.

Judge Halts EPA Action in ‘Cancer Alley’ Civil Rights Case

EPA investigations into violations of the Civil Rights Act in Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley” were ruled as “federal overreach.”

January 26, 2024 - Common Dreams

Man sitting on wooden bench under tall streetlight at night.

Can Urban Design Truly Impact Loneliness?

Some theorists want to design cities to reduce loneliness and isolation. Others want to accommodate them.

January 23, 2024 - Governing

Google street view of American Avenue overpass over Highway 99 in Fresno, California.

Transportation Secretary Orders Review of Fresno Highway Project

The decision follows a lawsuit by local groups who say Caltrans should not have exempted two interchange expansions from environmental review.

January 17, 2024 - Fresnoland

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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.