New research shows that modern building codes have prevented around $27 billion in damage from natural disasters between 2000 and 2016, yet many cities still operate under decades-old regulations.
To adapt to the effects of rising sea levels, increasingly destructive wildfires, and longer storm seasons, many local governments have implemented updated building codes that recognize the realities of climate change and adapt building requirements to more adequately prepare for future disasters. These codes, which include increased elevation for houses in flood zones, wind-resistant roofs, and earthquake-safe construction requirements, save homes and businesses from billions of dollars in damage and make communities more resistant to the ravages of natural disasters. Yet recent research published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) shows that more than a third of new construction in the United States is happening in places with building guidelines that are more than 20 years old—or that have none at all.
While climate change arguments tend to get bogged down in partisan debates, agencies like FEMA have created "resiliency" initiatives as a way to garner bipartisan support for projects that boost infrastructure spending for weather-proofing homes and limiting damage from natural disasters. FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program provides grant funding to local governments that want to update their building codes or strengthen enforcement of existing regulations. If implemented nationwide, FEMA estimates that updated building codes could accumulate up to $132 billion in avoided property losses by 2040.
FULL STORY: Updated Building Codes Prevent Billions in Disaster Damages. Many Localities Don’t Have Them in Place.
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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