The Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, version 1.0, is now available on the internet.

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) published a new Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool on November 22—providing an interactive map identifying disadvantaged Census tracts.
A press release on WHiteHouse.gov announced the new tool as a key tool for the Biden Administration’s Justice40 initiative, which requires spending 40 percent of federal funds in underserved areas.
The new Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool defines disadvantaged communities as having one “burden” related to climate change, transportation barriers, lack of green space, lack of indoor plumbing, redlining, legacy pollution, or water pollution. Disadvantaged Census tracts also are above the 65th percentile people in households where income is less than or equal to twice the federal poverty level.
“The Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool identifies communities that have faced historic injustices and have borne the brunt of pollution so we can ensure they’re some of the first to see the benefits of climate action. This is a major step toward meeting President Biden’s environmental justice goals and forging a better, cleaner future for all,” says CEQ Chair Brenda Mallory in the press release.
FULL STORY: Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool

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

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.

In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet
With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.

Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps
New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)