Environment

Vancouver City Council Eliminates Parking Mandates, Supports TOD
In a significant step for more diverse housing and transit-friendly development, the Vancouver City Council eliminated parking minimums and adopted a Transit-Oriented Areas (TOA) policy.

Repurposing Oil Fields Into Parks: Advancing Just Transition and Community Well-being
The concept of a "just transition" extends beyond workers to encompass broader social and environmental dimensions, including the restoration and regeneration of land and communities affected by oil extraction activities.

The Heat Is On: Rising Temperatures Strain Urban Infrastructure
This summer is predicted to be one of the hottest on record, and heat waves will likely put physical and social infrastructure to the test.

SCOTUS Watch: Power of Federal Agencies Likely to be Restricted
A 1984 landmark Supreme Court ruling empowering federal agencies to interpret statutes when there is uncertainty is being challenged. The outcome will impact federal regulatory authority throughout government, particularly environmental protection.

California Allocates $12.5 Million for Landfill-to-Park Transformation
The grant will help to convert a 142-acre site, a portion of the former Puente Hills Landfill, into Los Angeles County's first new regional park in over 30 years.

Mountain Road Collapses Force Isolation, Long Commutes
Threats to aging transportation infrastructure are putting remote communities at risk of being cut off from essential services.

Extreme Heat’s Far-Reaching Impacts
Heat is associated with worsened mental health, poorer test scores, and even higher car crash rates.

Managing Unsheltered Homelessness in San Jose
As California and other Western states await a SCOTUS ruling that will greatly affect how cities deal with tent encampments, a new stakeholder is causing big changes in how Northern California's largest city deals with its unsheltered population.
California's State Library Park Pass Program Renewed Amid Budget Challenges
Californians can continue to access state parks for free by borrowing passes from their local libraries, thanks to the renewal of a state program.

Alabama Funds Roof Replacements to Stave off Insurance Crisis
The Fortified roof program is helping tens of thousands of homeowners make their homes more resilient against hurricane damage.

Congestion Pricing Compromise?
A CBS News New York report suggests that Gov. Kathy Hochul is considering lifting her ‘indefinite pause’ on the Manhattan congestion pricing project if the $15 toll was lowered. Litigation threatened by the NYC comptroller may be a factor.

Study Highlights Equity Gaps in California's EV Incentives
A UCLA research team identifies gaps in incentive uptake and electric vehicle registration rates in disadvantaged communities.

Utah and Wyoming Sue BLM Over Conservation Rule
The states allege the agency overstepped federal regulations in its attempt to boost conservation efforts on public lands.

Revitalizing Sepulveda Basin: A Green Vision for An Urban Oasis
Developed through the input of thousands of community members, this is the first comprehensive plan by the City of Los Angeles for the 2,000-acre basin.

NYC Launches Public Swimming Plan
The city’s efforts to bring more pools and beaches to its residents could have rippling effects across the state.

Cougar Death Highlights Urgent Need for Wildlife Crossing
A mountain lion was found dead on the 101 Freeway, less than half a mile from the steel and concrete endoskeleton of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing.

Beating the Heat: Expanding Access to Swimming Pools
The swim season for Los Angles County public pools has been extended, with swim facilities open for five months to provide relief from the hot weather.

California Faces Early Surge in Wildfires
Summer is just beginning, but wildfires in California have already burned more than 90,000 acres.

New TV Series Highlights Sustainable Aquaculture
Hope in the Water explores the groundbreaking work of dedicated fishers, aqua farmers, and scientists who are seeking to harvest aquatic species to feed our growing population while protecting the oceans.

Erosion Threatens SoCal Road, Lloyd Wright Icon
The city of Palos Verdes is closing parts of a roadway to cyclists, citing safety concerns as the land underneath moves between 7 and 12 inches per week.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie