Improved air quality can help achieve equitable economic growth, according to Chicago's newly announced Air Quality Agenda.
"Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Monday the creation of a citywide air quality reform agenda, which will aim to improve the city's air quality while promoting equitable economic growth," reports Chris Teale.
The plan responds to data from the city Department of Public Health's Air Quality and Health Report, "which found that issues including ozone and air particulates are a problem citywide, but disadvantaged communities are more likely to experience worse health outcomes than others," according to Teale.
Action items in the new air quality plan include a zoning angle that reads like a flash back to the early 20th century: requiring new developments of polluting industrial uses to be built farther away from residential neighborhoods.
According to Teals, "the city also plans to create an Environmental Equity Working Group. Officials say the group will contain 'world-class expertise and community voices' to help further the cause of environmental justice throughout Chicago."
FULL STORY: Chicago unveils citywide air quality reform agenda
Challenging the Permitting Record of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Zoning in the U.S. was originally intended to keep noxious uses out of residential areas. Around Houston, which famously lacks a traditional zoning system, polluting uses are still granted broad permission to operate in residential areas.
Book Review: Zoned in the USA
"Zoned in the USA: The Origins and Implications of American Land-Use Regulation," by Sonja Hirt, describes the exceptional characteristics, compared to European land use regulations, that make U.S. zoning laws so conducive to sprawl.
Watch: Debunking Myths About Houston's Lack of Zoning
A video published last week by City Beautiful reveals the myths and misconceptions of Houston's land use regulation system.
Georgia's First Tiny Home Village Now Open, and Sold Out
Eight single-family houses on a half-acre of land.
Arizona's Tallest Building Will Soon Be Vacant
The tallest building in the Grand Canyon State will enter a new era.
It's Good to Be a Small Business in These 6 U.S. Cities
Here are six U.S. cities where small companies are thriving.
Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates
Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency/City of Chattanooga
City of Willits
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Valley Vision
Jefferson County
City of Greensburg
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.
