To meet ambitious climate and decarbonization goals, some states are barring local governments from restricting wind and solar development.

According to an Associated Press article in the U.S. News & World Report, over a dozen U.S. states have passed laws that bar local jurisdictions from blocking renewable energy projects with zoning restrictions in response to a number of challenges from local groups that have blocked or delayed renewable projects.
In Michigan, over two dozen projects were derailed by local zoning rules. Around the country, at least 228 jurisdictions have imposed rules that restrict renewable energy development. In some cases, the concerns are environmental, while others center on the potential loss of farmland. Now, Michigan law still requires developers to go through the local process, but if denied, the decision can be overturned by a state commission if the project meets certain requirements.
Dan Scripps, chair of Michigan’s Public Service Commission, argues that renewable energy projects are vitally important to the entire state and can’t be limited by local concerns. States including Michigan require public utilities to transition away from fossil fuels by 2040 in alignment with federal goals.
FULL STORY: States With Big Climate Goals Strip Local Power to Block Green Projects

Legendary Parking Guru Donald Shoup Dies at 86
Urbanists are mourning the loss of a dynamic voice for parking reform and walkable cities.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

DOT Memo Directs Transportation Funding to Communities With Higher Marriage and Birth Rates, Compliance with Immigration Officials and No Mask Mandates
The memo ties immigration enforcement to federal funding and prohibits mask or vaccine mandates.

Housing Measure Wins in Seattle Special Election
Voters approved a new tax that could bring in $50 million per year for social housing.

Resilient Communities, Healthy Ecosystems: A Balanced Approach to Wildfires
Effective wildfire mitigation in California requires a holistic approach that goes beyond large-scale vegetation removal, emphasizing home hardening, defensible space, strategic planning, and reducing human-caused ignitions.

St. Petersburg’s Bike Infrastructure Efforts Pay Off
New bike infrastructure is encouraging more people to take to the streets on two wheels, but advocates say safety challenges remain.
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.
City of Bakersfield
Standridge Inc.
City of Brookings
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service