Robert Steuteville comments about the long-standing links between New Urbanism, good placemaking, and the environment.
"It used to be said that what's good for General Motors is good for the country. Sprawl and Interstate highways were very good for GM, and we built them with manic determination in the last six decades. There has always been a contingent that has argued that automobile-dependent development patterns are not in our collective best interest, but those voices have been ignored by many. In the last year, however, dramatically more awareness has focused on the terrible twins of global warming and fossil-fuel dependency. One of the best ways to deal with these issues, many are realizing, is to offer the choice of not driving. The idea is dawning that what's good for the nation is good for urbanism, and vice versa. New Urbanism is merging with sustainability.
"In almost no time, it seems, New Urbanism has gone from a design movement recognized primarily for good placemaking, to one that is perceived as beneficial to the environment. More work needs to be done to get the word out, and new urbanists themselves are helping by more explicitly focusing on green building principles. Yet the trend is clear. Land use programs will be judged by their greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, and the links between New Urbanism and sustainability can only grow stronger."
Thanks to The Intrepid Staff
FULL STORY: Many reasons to go green

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses
The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund
A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards
Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.
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.
Ada County Highway District
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service