The bonds finance new green infrastructure projects that otherwise would be considered too risky.

Atlanta wants to clean up the Proctor Creek watershed, and it has released a $14 million environmental impact bond for a series of green infrastructure projects, writes Jared Brey:
Environmental impact bonds (EIBs), like social impact bonds, are a type of financing that provides different levels of return for investors based on how well the projects funded by the bond perform. If a green infrastructure intervention is more effective than expected, investors get a greater return; if less successful, the return is lower.
EIBs are useful financing mechanisms for projects that are innovative but also considered risky and that might be harder to fund through a traditional bond. The Atlanta EIB will fund six projects, including installation of stormwater planters, creek and habitat restoration, and development of bioretention and wetland areas.
The firm Quantified Ventures helped Atlanta with the EIB, and it also worked with DC Water on the country’s first EIB, launched in 2016. Brey reports that investors in Atlanta include both firms committed to the environmental outcomes and larger, more traditional investment firms.
FULL STORY: Atlanta Issues Environmental Impact Bond for Green Infrastructure

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
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie