Environment

Green Stormwater Infrastructure

FYI about GSI: The Recipe for Green Stormwater Infrastructure Success

New research highlights some of the ways planners can increase the social benefits and public acceptance of green stormwater infrastructure.

May 20, 2021 - Christopher Tirri

Colorado Interstate

Reconciling Highway Investments With Climate Plans

The Colorado Department of Transportation has plans to expand highways, but it also has a mandate to reduce emissions from the state's transportation systems. Is it possible to do both?

May 19, 2021 - Colorado Public Radio

Washington State Electric Car Infrastructure

A Green Governor Vetoes Electric Vehicle Legislation

Washington Gov. Jay Insee distinguished himself in the 2020 presidential Democratic primary as the "climate candidate," yet he vetoed a section of a transportation electrification bill that set a goal of ending sales of gas-powered cars by 2030.

May 19, 2021 - Electrek

Arizona Streetscape

Tucson's Pledge to Plant 1 Million Trees

Details and background of Tucson's pledge to plant one million trees by 2030.

May 17, 2021 - The Daily Climate

Rattlesnakes

Major Grant Helping to Make Wildlife Crossing a Reality in Los Angeles County

The Annenberg Foundation is awarding a $25 million grant to the National Wildlife Federation's campaign to build a wildlife crossing at Liberty Canyon, over the 101 Freeway.

May 17, 2021 - Patch

Griffith Park

Seeking Public Input on Regional and Rural Park Needs

As part of a study, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is conducting a survey to better understand the use of facilities like beaches, natural areas, open spaces, regional parks, trails, and local parks in rural areas.

May 14, 2021 - Urbanize LA

Louisiana

State Legislation Would Make Louisiana a 'Fossil Fuel Sanctuary State'

A Louisiana state legislator who is also the owner of oil company has proposed several laws that would remove regulations for the oil industry, including one that would prevent the local and state regulation of oil and gas companies.

May 13, 2021 - The Guardian

Butte County, California

California's Fastest Growing City: Paradise

Paradise, California—devastated by the deadly Camp Fire of 2018—is attracting new and returning residents as the city rebuilds its housing stock.

May 11, 2021 - Sacramento Bee via SFGate

Sheep grazing on a green hillside

Is the 'Tragedy of the Commons' a Myth?

Examples from around the world showing that the popular theory often doesn't hold up present powerful implications for commons management.

May 11, 2021 - Aeon

Drought

Researchers Propose the Concept of 'Anthropogenic Drought'

As climate change heightens the risk of intense drought periods, a new framework can help scientists better understand the interconnected causes and effects of drought.

May 10, 2021 - Eos

Midwest Flooding

Most Americans Unaware of Flood Risks, Study Finds

The lack of disclosure laws in most states has led to an overvaluation of homes located in floodplains across the country.

May 10, 2021 - Grist

Electric Cars

Bill Requiring Zero-Emissions Car Sales by 2035 Passes New York Legislature

The bill also calls for increased investment in charging infrastructure and financial incentives for consumers.

May 10, 2021 - Smart Cities Dive

Bureau of Land Management

Can the U.S. Preserve 30 Percent of its Lands and Waters?

The Biden administration released its preliminary report on a plan to conserve 30 percent of the nation's lands and waters by 2030, one big, ambitious component of the administration's climate plans.

May 9, 2021 - The Washington Post

California Aqueduct

Southern California's Water Conservation and Storage Efforts Paying Off

The region has poured over a billion dollars into storage infrastructure and demand management policies in anticipation of worsening drought conditions.

May 7, 2021 - Bloomberg Green+CityLab

California

'Indirect Source Rule' Would Clean Up Warehouses in Southern California

Dr. Joe Lyou, CEO of the Coalition for Clean Air, walks through the legal necessity of South Coast AQMD's proposed Indirect Source Rule, which aims to accelerate the transition to zero-emission technologies and fleet electrification.

May 6, 2021 - The Planning Report

Colorado River megadrought

How Arizona Is Preparing for the Coming Water Shortage

Arizona will lose one-fifth of its water allotment from the Colorado River in 2022 as cuts from the river's Drought Contingency Plan take effect.

May 5, 2021 - Arizona Republic

Dealer

Biden Administration Hits Automotive Emissions Reset Button

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has rolled back Trump administration reductions of auto emission standards enacted by the Trump administration, and is taking first steps toward a new emissions agreement with automakers.

May 3, 2021 - The Washington Post

Los Angeles River

A Comment for the L.A. River Master Plan

Five themes proposed to achieve justice and sustainability for the Los Angeles River and its surrounding communities.

May 3, 2021 - Richard Dion

Florida Roads

Florida Highway Project Faces Opposition From All Sides

Critics worry the proposed 330-mile corridor would encourage sprawl, harm wildlife, and saddle the state with decades of debt.

May 2, 2021 - Grist

Oil field and houses in Signal Hill, California

Your Not-So-Friendly Neighborhood Oil Well

Much of California's oil and gas extraction takes place in residential neighborhoods, posing significant health risks to entire communities.

April 29, 2021 - Yale Environment 360

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.