A roundup of stories about the creatures that share our cities.
Writing in Bloomberg CityLab, Linda Poon rounds up some 2023 highlights featuring urban wildlife “To illustrate how our changing cities are shaping the lives of animals.”
The article mentions a bear who wandered into the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, noting that bear activity is increasing around the country as bears seek out food in shrinking habitats. On the plus side, the United States is finally investing in wildlife crossings, with the world’s largest breaking ground in Los Angeles.
In New York, two dolphins were spotted in the Bronx River, “not only a rare treat for New Yorkers but also a sign that the city’s clean-up effort is making progress.” In Chicago, a family of red foxes took up residence in Millennium Park.
See the source article to learn about New York City’s rat czar, a Tasmanian seal, and more animal-related news.
FULL STORY: How Animals and Cities Collided in 2023
Once a year, Maine roads become highways for amphibians
The 'Big Night' brings out volunteers to help frogs, salamanders, and other migrating amphibians cross roads to reach their breeding grounds.
San Diego Sues DHS, DOD Over Razor Wire Near Mexico Border
The city says U.S. Marines trespassed on city land to install fencing that damages sensitive habitat in an area designated as conservation land.
Explore Urban Biodiversity: Join the 2025 City Nature Challenge
The City Nature Challenge invites people worldwide to document urban biodiversity by photographing and sharing wild plants and animals through the iNaturalist app, helping scientists track and understand real-time changes in ecosystems.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project
Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.
Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project
The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.
Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association