Environment

S.F. Plan Amendment to Allow Bay Filling
A revision to the region’s plan for the bay will allow areas to be filled in to create habitats that mitigate the effects of climate change.

It’s Time to Ditch the Concrete and Steel. Wood Is the Construction Material of the Future
A move toward wooden buildings would lead to a host of positive environmental, economic, and livability outcomes.

The Biggest Hazard to Birds in New York City—Buildings
In New York City, tens of thousands of birds die each year after colliding with buildings. Policy and design measures can make the city much safer for its feathered inhabitants.

Revisiting the Resilience Metric—How Does it Relate to Sustainable Development?
An investigation of how resilience relates to sustainability, and how an understanding of that relationship informs more effective development investments.

Toronto Sets More Ambitious Climate Change Goals
The city is considering a proposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions even more by aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.

Report Addresses Climate Change and Equity in New Orleans
A new report details steps the city can take to help prevent climate change and protect its most vulnerable residents.

Reducing Transportation Emissions by Targeting Fuel Suppliers
Modeled on the nation's first mandatory cap-and-trade program that only targets power plant emissions, the Transportation & Climate Initiative subjects transportation fuel to a similar market-based program. It took a major step forward on Oct. 1.

Albuquerque Exceeds Water Conservation Goals
The city says water conservation programs and customer cutbacks have resulted in a drop in water usage.

The Fascinating World of Urban Evolution
Animals are not only evolving in remarkable ways to meet the challenges of urban environments, but they are doing it quickly.

Trump Administration Suddenly Holding California to Higher Environmental Standards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wants to force the state of California to spend highway money on public transit, because of the environment.

Food Forests Bear Fruit in the Atlanta Region
The Atlanta suburb of Lilburn is the latest city to plant fruit trees for the purpose of feeding the public.

Solo-Occupant Hybrid Vehicles Lose Access to Carpool Lanes
A change in federal law on Monday meant that over 16,000 Virginia motorists must double or triple-up when using carpool lanes in Virginia. Next month, electric vehicles will need three occupants to drive free on I-395 when HOV lanes become HOT.

Code Score: A New Aid for Aligning Policy and Vision With Outcomes
A compendium of benefits of walkable urban places, put together by Hazel Borys and Kaid Benfield.

Two New California Laws Take Aim at Pollution from Heavy-Duty Trucks
Trucks, which disproportionately contribute toward air pollution, will soon be subject to similar types of smog checks that apply to light-duty vehicles. A second bill signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom will spur movement toward cleaner alternatives.

L.A. River Restoration Challenged by Gentrification, Environmental Concerns
A massive effort to restore the Los Angeles River to more public access and open space amentias continues to raise the specter of gentrification in neighborhoods already feeling the pressure of the housing market.

Op-Ed: Seattle Resilience Roadmap Feels 'Retrospective'
Natalie Bicknell notes several deficiencies in the roadmap that resulted from Seattle's participation in the Rockefeller Foundation's now-defunct 100 Resilient Cities program.

Op-Ed: Feds 'Obsessed' with Undermining National Monument
Utah's Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is under severe assault from the Trump administration, Stephen Trimble writes. Long the focus of preservation efforts, the protected land is being opened up for extractive uses.

Changes for Big Pipeline Project to Connect Utah to the Colorado River
A hugely significant water and power infrastructure project in the works in Utah is now only a water project.

California Needs More EV Chargers to Keep Up with Demand
Electric vehicle sales continue to rise, but the need for more charging infrastructure is increasing as well.

Tampa Bay Isn't Prepared for the Hurricanes of the Future
The area is especially vulnerable to storm surge, and increased development means more people are at risk when major hurricanes push through.
Pagination
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions