Environment

Home Insurance Increasingly Unaffordable or Inaccessible
Homeowners in places at risk for wildfires and other disasters find it harder than ever to secure an affordable insurance policy as companies leave some states altogether.

Lower Speed Limits as a Climate Action Tool
Slowing down traffic can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in addition to improving roadway safety.

Atlantic Coast Infrastructure at Risk from Sea Level Rise
New research reveals that some coastal areas are sinking by as much as 5 millimeters per year, which could threaten key infrastructure.

Los Angeles Seeks Public Input for Urban Forest Plans
The County and City of Los Angeles are working together on community engagement efforts for their Urban Forest Management Plans (UFMPs).

Applying a Sustainable Transportation Hierarchy
To be equitable and efficient, transportation planning must apply a sustainable transportation hierarchy that prioritizes affordable, healthy, and resource-efficient mobility options.

Planning Year in Review 2023: Zoning Reform, a Rail Revolution, and Climate Realities
Last year’s most talked-about planning issues and news.

Climate Resilience for an Aging Nation with Danielle Arigoni: The Planning Commission Podcast
Author and livability expert Danielle Arigoni talks about her new book with the Planning Commission Podcast.

Book Excerpt: Climate Resilience for an Aging Nation
The challenge of adapting our communities to climate change is complex and urgent – but taking the time to recenter our collective efforts in the needs of older adults will be effective in reducing their risk and making all of us more resilient.

Transforming the Santa Monica Airport Into a Great Park
The City of Santa Monica took a key step forward in the process of closing the airport, approving an agreement with Sasaki Inc. to assess existing site conditions, gather public input, and propose options for turning the airport into a park.

Moab Adopts Sustainability Plan
Moab adopted a Sustainability Action Plan to map out goals and strategies for the pursuit of sustainability, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The plan was approved by the Moab City Council on December 12, 2023.

Rochester Updating Urban Forest Master Plan
The City of Rochester (NY) is working on an update to its Urban Forest Master Plan. This updates includes a community outreach process and addresses key issues such as environmental justice, climate change, and educational opportunities.

20 Major US Cities Most and Least Threatened by Climate Change
By 2050, climate change will have the biggest negative impact on urban areas located in the Sun Belt.

BLM Allocates Funding to Study Renewables Impact on Public Lands
The large-scale study will assess how proposed solar farms and other renewable energy projects could impact animals, plants, and habitats.

Peak Car? Check Your Data
There is evidence that automobile travel is peaking while demand for non-auto modes is growing, but double-check your data sources to be sure.

How Did the US Fare on its 2023 Climate Goals?
Climate experts are divided on how much progress the nation made.

HUD Resiliency Awards Target Affordable Multifamily Housing
The Green and Resilient Retrofit program aims to reduce vulnerability to climate challenges and improve energy efficiency in multifamily buildings.

‘Green Roads for Water’ Meshes Transportation With Water Conservation
Simple, sometimes ancient designs can transform roadways into environmental conservation tools.

The Year in Good Climate News
Despite the ups and downs, there are reasons to feel optimistic.

Seattle to Host 2024 Urban Parks Conference
In June 2024, City Parks Alliance, in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation, will hold the Greater & Greener conference, which will include a mix of indoor sessions and outdoor experiences focusing on urban parks.

The Year in Urban Wildlife
A roundup of stories about the creatures that share our cities.
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions