Excessive heat will impact the desert city in the coming years, and major steps need to be taken now to change its course.

"Las Vegas is the fastest-warming city in the United States, its temperatures having risen 5.76F since 1970. A June study of coroner data by the Las Vegas-based Desert Research Institute found a correlation between heatwaves and heat-related deaths in southern Nevada, both of which, they say, are on the rise," writes Dan Hernandez.
The effects of climate change are being exacerbated in Las Vegas by rapid growth, increased carbon emissions from vehicles, and large expanses of concrete and asphalt that have created a heat island. And the city’s most vulnerable residents—low-income residents, the homeless, the elderly, children—will face more dire consequences if temperatures continue to rise.
Fernandez notes that the city has instituted a renewable energy program that powers streetlights and government buildings and green energy legislation is making its way along at the state level. Casinos also say that they want to work to establish sustainable infrastructure.
"MGM Resorts has over 20 acres of solar panels atop the Mandalay Bay convention center, and much of the electricity flowing through properties like the Bellagio, Luxor and New York, New York comes from a solar array in the Mojave Desert," says Hernandez.
FULL STORY: The hellish future of Las Vegas in the climate crisis: 'A place where we never go outside'

The California High-Speed Rail Project Illustrates America’s Transit Issues
Slow progress and a bloated budget have plagued the High-Speed Rail project linking San Francisco to Los Angeles, exposing deeper issues with American transit projects.

New White House Housing Initiative Includes Zoning Reform Incentives
The Biden administration this morning released a new program of actions intended to spur housing construction around the United States.

‘Mega-Landlords’ Threaten Housing Stability for Renters
As institutional investors buy up a larger share of single-family homes, the families renting them are increasingly vulnerable to rent increases and eviction.

Europe's New Energy Infrastructure Begins to Emerge
When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin hoped to quickly redraw national boundary lines in Eastern Europe. The region's energy infrastructure, particularly pipelines carrying natural gas, may change sooner.

Making the Case for E-Bikes
A new white paper lays the groundwork for better e-bike incentive programs.

How To Slow the Wave of Commercial Vacancies
Empty storefronts depress property values and suppress small business growth. What can cities do to fill these vacancies?
County of Napa
Clarion Associates
Urban Planning Partners
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Redwood City
City of Rohnert Park
City of Hot Springs
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.
Hand Drawing Master Plans
This course aims to provide an introduction into Urban Design Sketching focused on how to hand draw master plans using a mix of colored markers.