Environment

Vancouver Chuck Wolfe

Ten Signs of a Resurgent Downtown

In GeekWire, Chuck Wolfe continues his exploration of a holistic and practical approach to post-pandemic urban center recovery, anchored in local context and community-driven initiatives that promote livability, safety, and sustainability.

May 24, 2023 - GeekWire

Road sign with EXTREME HEAT ALERT surrounded by orange traffic cones

How Hot is Too Hot?

While they may not sound extreme, temperatures over 90 degrees can easily pose fatal risks and could have long-term impacts on public health.

May 23, 2023 - High Country News

View of Colorado River winding through canyon in red rock cliffs against lightly cloudy blue sky

Lower Basin States Closer to Agreement on Colorado River

After a year of contentious negotiations, Western states dependent on the river’s water supply are nearing a deal that would reduce water use significantly over the next three years.

May 22, 2023 - The Washington Post

Blue sign with white gas pump symbol with electric plug and "EV"

Plan for U.S.-Canada EV Corridor Announced

U.S. and Canadian officials revealed plans for an electric vehicle charging network that will connect Kalamazoo and Quebec City with EV chargers every 50 miles.

May 19, 2023 - Detroit Free Press

Late evening view of downtown Minneapolis skyline with stone bridge in foreground

Minneapolis to Begin Environmental Review in Response to 2040 Plan Lawsuit

After environmental groups sought to stop the city’s ambitious comprehensive plan, Minneapolis is looking for ways to resume its implementation.

May 18, 2023 - Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Pastoral landscape painting by Thomas Cole depicting pre-colonized idyllic scene

Planning for a Post-Climate World

A series of 19th century paintings that illustrates the rise and fall of empire highlights the limits of growth.

May 17, 2023 - Gabriel A. Ramos AICP

Solar panels on roof of grey residential building

HUD Announces Grants for Efficiency Retrofits in Multifamily Housing

A new program will fund solar panels, heat pumps, and other measures aimed at reducing emissions, improving air quality and resident health, and reducing heating and cooling costs.

May 16, 2023 - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

White obelisk monument with Japanese writing at Manzanar Historic Site, former internment camp, California

Ten Parks and Sites for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History

Learn more about some of the parks and historic sites that preserve and share the stories of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander people and communities in the U.S.

May 15, 2023 - The Wilderness Society

Aerial view of irrigation canal winding through Scottsdale, Arizona suburb with mountains in background

Mitigating the Environmental Footprint of Sprawl

There is still time to reverse the environmental outcomes of American suburbs. Researchers in Los Angeles, considered by many to be the poster child for U.S. sprawl, have been at work on the problem for years.

May 11, 2023 - Nature

View of oceanfront homes in Malibu, California against golden afternoon sky

Report: West Coast Must Come to Terms With Managed Retreat

As sea levels rise, experts say coastal communities have to overcome their resistance to managed retreat and plan for relocation.

May 10, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

Lone hiker on gravel trail at Eaton Canyon Natural Area, Los Angeles County

Ensuring Equitable Park Access in Los Angeles County

Learn more about the Park Equity Alliance and how it is working to ensure equitable access to parks and recreation in L.A. County.

May 10, 2023 - Park Equity Alliance

Aerial view of homes on beach in Maui, Hawaii

Addressing Sea Level Rise and Coastal Threats in Maui

Learn how Maui County is integrating sea level rise and coastal threats into planning for and protecting its 65 beach parks.

May 9, 2023 - Parks and Recreation Magazine

View of field of blooming orange poppies in Antelope Valley, California

L.A.’s 30x30 Goals: Conservation and Restoration

Learn more about Los Angeles County's Parks Needs Assessment Plus (PNA+) which focuses on land conservation and restoration, regional recreation, and rural recreation to address climate change, protect biodiversity, and meet the needs of residents. 

May 8, 2023 - Parks & Rec Business

Cover of Los Angeles County 2022 Parks Needs Assessment Plus

The Growing Importance of Data Storytelling

Data storytelling refers to the ability to effectively communicate insights from data using narratives and visualizations. When done right, it can be used to put data insights into context and inspire action from decisionmakers.

May 7, 2023 - National Recreation and Park Association Open Space Blog

Clse-up of "Just Say No To Over Development" yard sign on green lawn

Thinking About Right-NIMBYism

Some conservatives oppose new housing on the ground that exclusion will “save” their neighborhoods from poor people. Is there any response to these arguments?

May 5, 2023 - Michael Lewyn

Seattle skyline panorama seen from Kerry Park at sunset in golden evening light with Mount Rainier in the background, Washington State, United States of America

Washington Cities Balance Housing Development and Tree Canopy

Cities like Seattle and Bellingham are working to increase housing density while also preserving urban trees and green spaces.

May 3, 2023 - The Urbanist

Redevelopment

Anti-Displacement Measures for Brownfield Developments

A series of reports published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Smart Growth America highlights tools and policies that can help mitigate displacement pressure when recovering and developing brownfields around the United States.

May 2, 2023 - Smart Growth America

Unpaved road through Owens Lake bed with Sierra Nevada mountains in the background

California Braces for Floods After Historic Winter Storms

Emerging from a years-long drought, the state now faces significant flood risks as temperatures rise and the abundant snowpack begins to melt.

May 1, 2023 - Los Angeles Times

Old wood demolition waste, from destruction or renovation of buildings in a container on a work site in a street with a house. Wooden beams to be recycled into new building materials

The Link Between Circular Building, Affordability, and Sustainability

A growing movement seeks to reduce waste in the construction industry and focus on the long-term impact of building materials.

May 1, 2023 - Wired

View of Los Angeles skyline against a bright orange sky with a palm tree at left

Los Angeles County Releases Updated Climate Action Plan

The revised plan reflects the county's commitment to fighting climate change and identifies strategies, measures, and actions to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from community activities and some municipal operations.

April 27, 2023 - Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.