Many communities at increased risk of flooding and wildfires will need to relocate. Here’s how local and regional governments can prepare.

A report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) urges coastal communities facing rising sea levels and other areas at risk from extreme weather to prepare for the possibility of having to relocate to adapt to the changing climate and landscape.
As Kaitlyn Levinson explains in Route Fifty, “Researchers estimate that the sea levels along the U.S. coastline could rise by up to 12 inches by 2050—an alarming progression considering that’s the same increase documented between 1920 and 2020.” Meanwhile, increasingly destructive wildfires are making some western towns unlivable. The report notes that inland communities will also need to prepare for increased migration and demand for essential services.
One way for communities to prepare is to conduct a land suitability analysis of potential relocation sites to ensure they can support the infrastructure needed. “In their relocation plans, officials should also consider amending or adopting rules on zoning, land acquisitions or open space management, the report said. For instance, policymakers can restrict future development in an area a community has moved from to prevent newer buildings from climate risks.” Governments are also creating property buyback programs to soften the impact of relocation and assist residents who would be financially burdened by the moving process.
FULL STORY: Easier said than done: Tips for community relocation amid a changing climate

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

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)