Environment
How Mutual Aid Increases Community Resiliency
Recent devastating weather events highlight the importance of community connection in keeping people safe when infrastructure fails.
New York City’s Tree Map Gets More Data
The online tool now shows granular, tree-level data that highlights the public health benefits and economic contributions of urban trees.
The Importance of Restoring Degraded Lands in Los Angeles County
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors just approved the Parks Needs Assessment Plus (PNA+), which highlights the need for transforming degraded lands such as landfills and oil fields into parks and open spaces, particularly in underserved communities.
L.A. County Calls for Flood Control Improvements
Recently revealed estimates put far more people in the region at risk for catastrophic flooding than previously thought.
Fairfax County Considering Bicycle Parking Minimums
Similar to vehicle parking requirements, the proposal would create a tiered system for minimum bike parking spots in new developments.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Housing and Fire Safety in California
A proposed development near the site of the devastating Camp Fire highlights the growing tension between building badly needed housing and protecting communities from heightened wildfire risk.
How Urban Trees Save Lives
New research shows a strong connection between a healthy urban tree canopy and lowered mortality rates.
Controversial Agreement Yields Funding for Salton Sea Restoration
An unprecedented, but deeply controversial, agreement changes the equation for the Colorado River and the Salton Sea.
Western Voters: Yes to Conservation, No to Extremism
Voters in Western states generally favored candidates who support public land conservation in this November’s election and rejected extremist rhetoric.
How President Biden Can Act To Protect Environmental and Cultural Sites
A new report highlights the mechanisms the President and his Cabinet could use to protect U.S. land and water resources without going through Congress.
Electric Vehicles Require Real Progress—Not Lip Service—on Equity
Communities of color are already being left behind as the nation prepares the infrastructure for an electric future.
Mapping Environmental Justice to Census Tracts
The Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, version 1.0, is now available on the internet.
Constitutional Protections for Environmental Rights Latest Roadblock for NYC Megaproject
The latest in a series of lawsuits against a megaproject proposed for Manhattan is the first to sue on the grounds provided by a constitutional amendment approved by the state of New York a year ago.
In Reversal, Ontario Government Could Open Toronto Greenbelt to Development
The Toronto Greenbelt was an urban growth boundary created in 2005 as one of the most obvious political victories for the Smart Growth movement in North America. A new bill would reverse course on the region’s growth policies.
King County Water Treatment Station Set to Open
The facility is part of a plan to protect the Duwamish River from polluted runoff from overflowing sewer pipes.
COP27 Climate Negotiations Produce a Mixed Bag
Negotiators at this year’s COP27 climate change meetings can claim progress on some tricky issues, but stagnation reigns on the fundamental issue of emission reductions.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Issues 2022 Grants
The organization awarded 25 grants for projects that promote outdoor recreation and access to trail facilities for underserved communities.
New Scoping Plan Sets Carbon Neutrality Goal for California
California has long led the nation in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A law approved in 2006 still provides direction for the state’s efforts.
Largest Dam Removal in U.S. History Clears Final Regulatory Hurdle
Four dams are coming down along the Klamath River. The final decision to remove the dams is a milestone political and legal victory for indigenous tribes living in Southern Oregon and Northern California.
European Cities Act on Density
The sprawling mass of suburbia has been a disaster for the environment. But now smaller, denser cities herald a renaissance in city living.
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
Tyler Technologies
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
