The city of Houston moves to convert all the bulbs at its traffic stops to LEDs, aiming to save energy and money.
"Although the 'light-emitting diode,' or LED, traffic signals will cost 16 times more than incandescent bulbs, their seven-year lifespan is six years longer.
'We want to use energy-efficient lighting and make energy-efficient improvements for the same reason that Wal-Mart does, and that is to reduce costs and save money over the long run and to give Houston a competitive advantage, said Mayor Bill White.
The project is one of several "green initiatives" in the works at City Hall, including establishing new energy-reducing building codes, installing solar panels, buying renewable power and hybrid vehicles and vastly stepping up city recycling programs.
Because debt will be used to finance the project - paid for with funds from energy savings - the cost will go up over the life of the new bulbs by several million dollars, according to a detailed analysis produced by the Public Works and Engineering department."
FULL STORY: City Council gives green light for LED traffic bulbs

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