The American Planning Association was one of 14 national organizations to sign a letter of support for S.1507, which would partner states and the federal government in providing low-interest loans for stormwater infrastructure projects.

A post on the APA website shares the news:
Last week, APA was one of 14 national organizations on a joint letter to Congress supporting the creation of the State Flood Mitigation Revolving Fund. The legislation, S.1507, led by Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), and Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), would create a new partnership with states to provide low-interest loans for projects that save lives and dollars.
The letter, signed by organizations like The Pew Charitable Trusts, Union of Concerned Scientists, and the National Resources Defense Council, makes the case for the value of flood mitigation.
According to a 2018 report by the National Institute of Building Sciences, for every dollar spent on hazard mitigation, the nation saves $6. In the case of riverine flood, projects involving acquisition or demolition of flood-prone buildings save $7 for every dollar invested.
Despite findings like these, according to the letter, "the federal approach to flood disasters continues to focus on response and recovery while underinvesting in preparation."
FULL STORY: APA and Partners Call on Congress to Improve Flood Mitigation Efforts

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie