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

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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