Environment

Vaccination

Light at the End of the Tunnel Reveals the Work to Come

The latest edition of an ongoing compendia of articles trying to make sense of the deep uncertainties of the pandemic—and what it all means for the future of cities.

April 20, 2021 - James Brasuell

Idaho

2021 Most Endangered Rivers List Highlights Environmental Justice

The annual list of endangered rivers created by American Rivers has always documented pollution and other threats like dam construction, but this year, the confluence of water and systemic racism warrants extra attention.

April 19, 2021 - American Rivers

Nashville

Op-Ed: Don't Reverse the Progress Made by 'Pandemic Streets'

In many cities, the public realm saw a drastic shift towards pedestrian-oriented infrastructure. The L.A. Times editorial board argues we should keep it that way.

April 19, 2021 - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles, California

Making Park Plans a Reality

Los Angeles County implements equity-focused community parks and recreation plans.

April 19, 2021 - Parks & Recreation Magazine

San Francisco, California

6 Principles to Manage Wildfire Risk With Effective Housing Policy

The connection between housing policy and climate change is made clear by the increasing damage of wildfires in California.

April 18, 2021 - SPUR

Drought Tolerant Landscaping

Las Vegas Water Authorities Want to Ban Ornamental Grass

Despite the region's best efforts to conserve water, there's still a lot of grass in the Las Vegas that no one ever walks or plays on. That could change soon.

April 15, 2021 - Associated Press

Tokyo Expressway

Tokyo Expressway to Become a Linear Park

A major expressway in Ginza will be converted to a park similar to New York City's High Line.

April 15, 2021 - Japan Property Central

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

'Lights Out Philly' Initiative Will Save Birds From Building Collisions

More than 15 years of advocacy, and one particularly galvanizing bird kill event, have created the momentum necessary for widespread adoption of the Lights Out Philly initiative.

April 14, 2021 - FastCompany

California Wildfire

$536 Million for Wildfire Prevention Proposed in California

After a series of horrible fire seasons and another lackluster rainy season, the state of California is in need of new approaches to wildfire suppression and prevention.

April 13, 2021 - The Mercury News

Air Travel

France to Ban Flights for Trips That Can Be Made by Train

One form of climate action gained major momentum in Europe over the weekend.

April 12, 2021 - Reuters

New York Bike Signage

NYC Bike Advocates Want Federal Funding to Connect the City's Greenways

Cycling advocates and environmental groups want to accelerate the expansion of bike infrastructure and fill crucial gaps in the city's bikeway network.

April 12, 2021 - The City

Tejon Ranch

Massive Tejon Ranch Development Paused; Judge Cites Wildfire, Greenhouse Gas Emissions

In the works since 1999, the Centennial Project by Tejon Ranch Co. seemed to have cleared its final hurdle in 2018, but a Los Angeles County court ruling has created another hurdle for the sprawling development.

April 11, 2021 - Los Angeles Times

Coronavirus and Transportation

Falling Transit Ridership 'Disastrous' for Greenhouse Gas Reductions

With ridership at record lows and agencies struggling to stay afloat, public transit around the world will need robust investment to recover after the pandemic.

April 8, 2021 - The New York Times

Bike Path

New Bikeways Coming to Atlanta This Year

Several new bike projects in the Atlanta area are slated to begin construction this year.

April 7, 2021 - Atlanta Magazine

Office Building

Is Remote Work Actually More Environmentally Friendly?

An online calculator helps companies determine the broader impacts of their decisions to continue working remotely or return to the office.

April 6, 2021 - Bloomberg CityLab

Traffic

Minnesota and California Take Steps to Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled

The two states both approved measures that will set VMT reduction goals and create enforcement mechanisms to promote more climate-friendly policies.

April 6, 2021 - State Smart Transportation Initiative (SSTI)

California State Water project

The Benefits of Covering Canals With Solar Panels

Research claims that installing solar panels over California's extensive canals could greatly expand the state's renewable energy production and reduce evaporation.

April 5, 2021 - High Country News

Outdoor Exercise

How COVID-19 Has Impacted Outdoor Recreation

A new report commissioned by the Outdoor Industry Association offers valuable insights about Americans’ engagement in outdoor activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 5, 2021 - Outdoor Industry Association

Los Angeles Sunset

Hiking For All: Making the Great Outdoors More Welcoming

Not everyone feels comfortable going for a hike. Various groups are working to break down barriers so that more people can experience the joys and benefits of being in nature.

April 1, 2021 - Los Angeles Times

South Platte River

In Denver, a Former Brownfield Becomes a Park

After a 14-year battle to bring the project to life, the Platte Farm Open Space brings much-needed green space to a north Denver neighborhood.

April 1, 2021 - Next City

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.