This week, eSolar debuted the first solar thermal power tower in the U.S., which they say is a step forward in technology and affordability.
Dan Reicher, Director of Climate Change & Energy Initiatives for Google, spoke at the opening:
"Please understand the innovation of what you see before you today. eSolar has turned solar on its head: instead of deploying large and expensive mirrors, it uses small, cheap mirrors in mass quantities. Lots of mirrors need good software to track the sun, and we're intrigued about how ET meets IT (energy tech meets information tech). With this software now written it can take advantage of economies of scale of millions of mirrors and the motors that move them."
FULL STORY: eSolar Flips the Switch on First Solar Power Tower in U.S.
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
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie