The online map builds a comprehensive database of fire prevention and mitigation efforts at every level of government to help agencies coordinate their work and understand the impacts of projects.
A new online dashboard from the state of California tracks wildfire prevention and mitigation work. According to a press release from Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, “For the first time, all fuels management projects are being tracked in one place, on one map, delivering valuable information for project planning and wildfire response.”
The Interagency Treatment Dashboard offers a comprehensive view of wildfire resilience efforts at multiple levels of government, while the Fuel Treatment Effectiveness Dashboard tracks how treatments have impacted fire behavior and firefighting and evacuation efforts. “In 2023, 700,000 acres were treated to help protect against wildfires, with many protected acres receiving multiple treatments such as thinning, prescribed fire, or other practices to improve forest health and community resilience.” This is a major increase from 2021 due in part to a doubling of prescribed treatments.
The dashboards are part of a broader fire resilience strategy that includes increased investments in wildfire resilience, higher staffing levels for firefighting units, an expansion of the state’s aerial firefighting fleet, and technological tools such as drones and AI that can help limit the destruction of fires and save lives.
Wildfires Explode Across the West
Multiple massive fires are burning across the Western United States and Canada, prompting governments to explore new mitigation and response strategies.
California Using AI to Get Ahead of Wildfires
The state is pioneering the use of technology to identify wildfire risks and alert firefighters before blazes get out of control.
The Lesser-Known Programs in the Infrastructure Bill
While the focus has been on flashier components of the infrastructure bill, some smaller initiatives could have outsized impacts by shifting priorities and funding resilience efforts.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design
Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.
Commentary: Colorado Will Forge Ahead With Conservation Work
While federal policy may become less friendly to environmental efforts, support from state legislators and agencies can prevent the state from backsliding.
Expanding the Mission: Community Groups Serving Schools
Some community development organizations have added education to their traditional focus on housing and economic development, looking for ways to support families and children by partnering with local school districts. How is it working?
DeKalb County Launches Housing Assistance Program
The $13 million initiative will support local organizations providing wrap-around services and housing assistance to residents at risk of eviction or experiencing homelessness.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Caltrans
Los Alamos County
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners