A new report ranks 72 U.S. cities on their environmental quality, including such common indicators as pollution and drinking water quality, but also social aspects like public health, poverty, and quality of life. On top of the list: Fargo, ND.
"The Urban Environment Report released by the Earth Day Network ranked 72 cities in seven areas: air quality, quality of life, parks and recreation, toxics and waste, drinking and surface water, human and public health, and global warming climate change."
Burlington, Vermont, Portland, Oregon, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota round out the top five. Cleveland, Miami, and Detroit are at the bottom of the list.
From the report's publisher, Earth Day Network:
"Earth Day Network's Urban Environment Report (UER) scores the current environmental performance of 72 of our nation's cities based on over 200 indicators, taking into account those populations which may have greater sensitivity or susceptibility to environmental, health, and social problems."
The Urban Environment Report broadens our view of environmental quality of life by taking into account those who often suffer the most but are heard the least. Earth Day Network's mission is to grow and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable planet. We pursue these goals through education, politics, cultural events, and consumer activism.
FULL STORY: City mixed in environment report

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?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie