The negative effects of poor air quality occur at higher rates in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, according to new research.

A new study from George Washington University sheds light on the disproportionate impact of air pollution on communities of color. According to one researcher, “Redlining and systemic racism have resulted in the least white areas of the US being located near factories, congested roadways or shipping routes with heavily polluted air.”
The study found that “Racial and ethnic disparities in the health impacts associated with nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter widened during the last decade,” and communities of color experienced 7.5 times higher rates of pediatric asthma than white communities. “The study found the estimated monetary value attributed to mortality risk for premature death due to particulate matter as well as the direct costs of pediatric asthma due to nitrogen dioxide in 2019 amounted to $466 billion or roughly 2.2% of the US gross domestic product.”
FULL STORY: Communities of Color Across the US Suffer A Growing Burden from Polluted Air

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

Dorm-Style Housing: A Solution for DC’s Vacant Office Buildings
Adapting office buildings to dorm-style housing with shared spaces is a much more affordable option than repurposing offices into apartments.

Opinion: LOS has ‘No Redeeming Quality’
The commonly used Level of Service metric that grades intersections based on traffic speed rather than safety is a key contributor to dangerous roadways.

San Francisco Mayor Backtracks on Homelessness Goal
Mayor Dan Lurie ran on a promise to build 1,500 additional shelter beds in the city, complete with supportive services. Now, his office says they are “shifting strategy” to focus on prevention and mental health treatment.
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Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
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