Environment
Underground Power Lines, Reinforced Water Systems — Four Ways to Fireproof LA
A new UCLA report highlights strategies to strengthen Los Angeles’s water and power systems amid growing climate threats.
Sinking Into Wetlands, This Northern California Highway Needs a Rescue
A plan to elevate the roadway and restore adjacent wetlands could take decades to complete.
LA is Finally Tackling its Concrete Problem
L.A. County is launching an Urban Natureways initiative that will convert flood channels and utility corridors into interconnected greenways to boost climate resilience, equity, and community vitality.
Study: Houston’s Vacant Lots Worsen Heat Island Effect
Paved lots and abandoned buildings can raise surrounding surface temperatures as much as 20 degrees, according to a new study.
Nearly Half a Million New Arizona Homes Halted Due to Water Crisis
The Arizona Department of Water Resources has put a moratorium on new water supply permits, making the future of planned residential developments uncertain.
Feds Terminate $7.56 Billion for Clean Energy Projects
The Department of Energy canceled awards to over 200 renewable energy projects.
Denver, Colorado Bursts with Dozens of 'Food Forests'
Denver Urban Gardens is building green spaces that clean the air and offer free, fresh fruit to neighbors.
These Bear Safety Signs Illustrate the Impact of Good Design
What makes a sign effective?
A Multimillion Dollar Virginia Company is Turning Empty Office Buildings Into Farms
Area 2 Farms envisions a world where 90% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of an indoor farm.
California Backtracks on Pledge to Save EV Subsidy
Despite a November promise to replace the federal EV subsidy with a state incentive, Governor Newsom now says the state cannot make up for the “federal vandalism” of EV tax credits.
Chicago River Clean Enough for Swimming for the First Time in 98 Years
A historic two-mile river race through downtown highlighted the success of decades-long efforts to clean up the city’s river.
EVs Now Barred From Freeway HOV Lanes
Congress failed to renew a federal program allowing states to let electric car drivers use carpool lanes without additional passengers, forcing California to end EV access to its HOV lanes.
Seattle Conflict Between Trees and Housing Heats up
A 2023 update to Seattle’s tree ordinance has led to sharp increase in the number of trees being cut down for redevelopment, prompting advocates to call for better protection of the city’s tree canopy.
Corpus Christi Faces Uncertain Water Future as City Cancels Desalination Plan
The Texas refinery town is grappling with an impending water shortage after a seven-year drought, but a dramatic increase in the projected cost of a desalination plant prompted the city to look for other ways to bring in additional water.
Over a Quarter of US Homes Face ‘Severe or Extreme’ Climate Risk
The number of U.S. homes at risk from hurricanes, fires, or flooding is valued at close to $13 trillion.
Geographers Aren’t Going Anywhere
Microsoft says AI renders my profession obsolete. They couldn’t be more wrong.
Walking Paths as Everyday Infrastructure
Walking paths are simple yet transformative features in parks that promote health, equity, and community connection, proving that small investments can deliver lasting benefits.
LA’s ‘Living Shorelines’ Get $5.1M Boost
L.A. County is investing in dune restoration and nature-based shoreline projects at Zuma, Redondo, and Dockweiler beaches to protect the coast and keep beaches accessible for communities.
Maui Wildfire Recovery, Two Years On
Two years after the Lahaina and Kula wildfires, hundreds of homes are under construction and community resilience is strong, though many survivors remain displaced and long to return home.
San Diego County Picks Housing Over Wildfire Safety
The county’s planning commission approved a 453-unit housing development that neighbors worry could become a trap for residents during a fire evacuation.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
planning NEXT
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
