"I realize that we are in crisis politically as well as sustainably. But…"

In a controversial decision earlier this month, the Washington, D.C. Historic Preservation Review Board decided against allowing front-facing solar panels on the sloped roofs of rowhomes.
David Alpert reports on the debate that took place during the hearing, noting the board's attempt at reconciling historic preservation and the climate crisis. Washington, D.C. has a new clean energy law, "[requiring] the District to reach 100% renewable energy by 2032 including 10% from locally-generated solar power." That wasn't enough to sway the board's decision in favor of allowing solar power on sloped roofs.
It's fairly clear how Alpert feels about the decision, and the talking points of the residents and board members who opposed the proposal (there is no shortage of rhetorical gymnastics in the soundbites included in the article). There's a call to action include toward the end of the article: "Barring action from the DC Council or stronger intervention by the Bowser administration, residents may have to make their voices heard when the preservation offices releases new guidelines [sic] in the coming weeks. Calcott said they anticipate a hearing before HPRB in December."
FULL STORY: Grappling with the climate crisis, DC’s preservation board rejects front-facing solar panels

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.
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