A shift is underway on Wall Street—investors are acknowledging the risks of climate change. A recent credit-ratings report on the bridge system connecting Miami to Key Biscayne provides a stark example of the new way of thinking.

"Each year, the Fitch credit-ratings firm issues a report on debt backed by tolls collected on Miami’s Rickenbacker Causeway, the bridge system connecting downtown to the shores of Key Biscayne," reports Douglas Hanks.
"On Thursday, Fitch debuted a new cash-flow concern for the Rickenbacker. 'Given its location,' Fitch analysts wrote, 'the causeway is exposed to extreme weather events in relation to rising sea levels and vulnerable to traffic and revenue disruptions.'"
The commentary on the risk of sea-level facing the bridge was triggered by a new scoring system implemented by Fitch in May, which includes a estimates on environmental risks, explains Hanks. Miami-Dade County seems sensitive to the idea that climate change poses risks to its borrowing and binding capacities. The county, "began including disclosures about climate change risks in the regulatory documents it must file for investors in county bonds," reports Hanks.
The state is planning to spend $2.5 million next year on a two-year analysis of the future of the bridges on the Rickenbacker.

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

Map: Where Senate Republicans Want to Sell Your Public Lands
For public land advocates, the Senate Republicans’ proposal to sell millions of acres of public land in the West is “the biggest fight of their careers.”

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

California Homeless Arrests, Citations Spike After Ruling
An investigation reveals that anti-homeless actions increased up to 500% after Grants Pass v. Johnson — even in cities claiming no policy change.

Albuquerque Route 66 Motels Become Affordable Housing
A $4 million city fund is incentivizing developers to breathe new life into derelict midcentury motels.

DC Area County Eliminates Bus Fares
Montgomery County joins a growing trend of making transit free.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)