The way we build cities can have significant impacts on public health and equity.

In an article in Colorado Newsline, Julia Perbohner calls attention to an “often overshadowed” tool in the fight against climate change: urban design.
Proper urban planning can act as both a shield and sword against climate change, mitigating its effects while adapting to its challenges. The potency of urban green spaces in providing essential ecosystem services — from regulating urban temperatures and water flows to tempering environmental extremes — cannot be emphasized enough.
Perbohner explains that “By integrating thermoregulation elements, such as pergolas, shade-providing trees, and light-colored pavements, we can combat the menacing urban heat island effect.” The way cities are built can reduce the impacts of heat, direct stormwater runoff more efficiently, and improve air quality and public health.
The article notes that policymakers must not be blind to potential displacement. “Yet, as we march towards this sustainable design utopia, a critical watchword must be equity. The beauty of design lies in its universality; it should uplift, not displace.”
FULL STORY: The power of design in sustainable, equitable solutions

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.

Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.

German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie