Environment

Smoke coming out of stack at petrochemical plant in Louisiana.

Judge Halts EPA Action in ‘Cancer Alley’ Civil Rights Case

EPA investigations into violations of the Civil Rights Act in Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley” were ruled as “federal overreach.”

January 26, 2024 - Common Dreams

Youtube and Google sign and logos near headquarters building is Silicon Valley,  Mountain View, California, USA

There’s a New Type of Climate Denial—and It’s Spreading

The good news is the climate movement is winning the argument that climate change is happening; the bad news is the deniers have a new strategy.

January 23, 2024 - CNN

Aerial view of flooded homes in coastal area of Florida after Hurricane Ian.

A Guide for Managed Retreat

Many communities at increased risk of flooding and wildfires will need to relocate. Here’s how local and regional governments can prepare.

January 22, 2024 - Route Fifty

Aerial view of snowy town of Stateline, Nevada on shore of Lake tahoe with mountains in background.

Nevada to Host National Outdoor Recreation Conference

In May 2024, the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals will hold its national conference in Stateline, Nevada, offering opportunities to learn and network in the beautiful setting of Lake Tahoe.

January 22, 2024 - Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals

Bird's eye view of park with green trees, concrete walkways, and benches on lake or riverfront.

Latest Trends in Parks and Recreation

Learn about the top trends impacting parks and recreation, including the use of mobile phone data to track park usage, impacts of climate change, rise of pickleball, a four-day work week, and more.

January 22, 2024 - Parks and Recreation Magazine

White wind turbine sitting on ground at wind farm construction site.

States Preempt Local Control on Renewable Energy Projects

To meet ambitious climate and decarbonization goals, some states are barring local governments from restricting wind and solar development.

January 21, 2024 - U.S. News & World Report

View of lake in Central Park, New York City with people in rowboats and bright red and orange fall trees, buildings in background.

Report: How to Fund NYC Parks

A set of 20 creative suggestions for increasing parks revenue.

January 21, 2024 - Center For An Urban Future

Dead fish washed up on Florida beach during 2018 'red tide' algae bloom event.

‘Red Tide’ Imperils Southwest Florida Economy

A new study quantifies the potential economic losses that would result from another algae bloom.

January 19, 2024 - Fox 4

Photovoltainc solar panels in green grass field.

The Climate Outlook for 2024

This year could mark a turning point for climate policy and energy systems.

January 18, 2024 - Yale Climate Connections

View from rear of yellow delivery van on city street.

How Cities Are Tackling Delivery Emissions

As the popularity of delivery services grows, regulation and tech can address pollution challenges and limit congestion.

January 17, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Close-up of electric car charging port with blurred dark colored car in background.

Federal Government Awards $623 in EV Charging Grants

The grants will fund roughly 7,500 new chargers in neighborhoods and along key freeway corridors.

January 14, 2024 - Wired

Roundabout with landscaping in middle in residential street.

The Future of Federal Funding for Green City Initiatives

Explore the trajectory of federal investment in green city projects, focusing on sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and eco-friendly policies.

January 11, 2024 - Devin Partida

View of One World Trade Center down straight street with bright green trees on either side.

Tree Folio NYC Aims to Monitor Urban Forest in Real Time

A new tool could help the city reach its goal of planting up to 250,000 new trees by 2035.

January 11, 2024 - Yahoo News

Wildfire approaching stucco house with red tile roof.

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.

January 10, 2024 - High Country News

Close-up of "Maximum 30 Secteur" speed limit sign on pot in Quebec, Canada.

Lower Speed Limits as a Climate Action Tool

Slowing down traffic can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in addition to improving roadway safety.

January 10, 2024 - Policy Options

"Danger - Unstable Cliffs" sign

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.

January 10, 2024 - Newsweek

Sunset view of tall palm trees and shorter trees lining empty street with Los Angeles skyline and crescent moon in background.

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).

January 9, 2024 - County of Los Angeles

Low shot of pedestrians and a bike crossing a striped crosswalk.

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.

January 8, 2024 - Todd Litman

Amtrak train passing over bridge on Alviso Marsh near San Jose, California.

Planning Year in Review 2023: Zoning Reform, a Rail Revolution, and Climate Realities

Last year’s most talked-about planning issues and news.

January 8, 2024 - Diana Ionescu

Graphic with headshot of Danielle Arigoni standing against concrete wall with title for THe Planning Commission Podcast episode "Climate Resilience and an Aging Population."

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.

January 8, 2024 - The Planning Commission Podcast

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HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Websites

The best of the Internet—since 2002.

Top Apps

Planning apps for a brave new world.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

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.