The economic case for investments in resilience just got a lot stronger.

Kim Slowey shares news of a report from the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) that accounts for the benefits of investing in resilience.
According to Slowey's explanation of the study's finings, "every federal grant dollar spent on disaster resiliency and mitigation can save the U.S. an average of six dollars." Moreover, "every dollar spent on building to a higher standard than select building codes require could save the nation four dollars." Another key finding of the report touts the benefits of resilience investments to long-term jobs and demand for American-made construction materials.
The study examined standards for wind, water, earthquake, and fire resistance—covering multiple angles from which the natural environment can assault the built environment. Attention to matters of resilience is clearly reflected in new building standards. For instance, in November, the U.S. Green Building Council released a new resilient construction standard called RELi.
FULL STORY: Report: Resilient design saves an average of $6 for every $1 spent

The Right to Mobility
As we consider how to decarbonize transportation, preserving mobility, especially for lower- and middle-income people, must be a priority.

Bend Eliminates Parking Minimums
The city is complying with an Oregon state mandate that some cities have challenged in court.

Scottsdale Cuts Water Supply to Nearby Suburb
The city claims it has no responsibility to provide water to the unincorporated Maricopa County community.

Utah Could Eliminate Parking Requirements Near Transit
A proposed state bill would bar cities from requiring parking in areas adjacent to transit stations in an effort to make housing production more affordable and encourage walking and transit use.

Where Pandemic Bike Improvements Won Out
While some cities are reverting back to pre-pandemic street configurations, others are taking advantage of the momentum for bike and pedestrian infrastructure to make pandemic-era projects permanent.

Atlanta Transit Plans Stall Due to Budget Concerns
With MARTA facing a potential billion dollar shortfall, the agency says it can’t fulfill its system expansion plan.
Town of Reading
Meridian Consultants
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Harvard GSD Executive Education
City of Piedmont, CA
City of Morganton
St. Louis County, MO
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.