Arlington, TX Mayor Robert Chuck is also a physician, acutely aware of the effects of ozone air pollution in his city. In this Q & A with Grist's Jonathan Hiskes, he describes ozone's causes and effects and his role as mayor.
In this interview with the Republican mayor of the seventh largest city in Texas, Mayor Chuck shows how automobile dependence affects public health, and how public health is not a partisan issue.
Mayor Chuck: "We're the largest city in America without a public transportation system. To get anywhere in this city, you have to use an automobile. And every summertime, we begin to see the ozone buildup. Ozone is very toxic to lung tissue. So I can predict, just by going through the ER every morning, how bad the ozone levels are."
"Q. Where is the most ozone pollution coming from?
A. Automobiles and trucks, by far. I suspect the average family here has two cars, maybe three depending on how old their kids are
Q. Once the city has been built around driving, it seems tough to lay down a bicycle network that's safe and comfortable. Are there other land-use steps or zoning changes you're trying to do?
A. Not yet. We were talking yesterday at our council meeting about having to change our perception of land use related to walkability."
From "Mayor, university promote Arlington as ‘College Town'":
"College Town is part of a vision for a renewed downtown Arlington. One with the research and educational powerhouse that is UT-Arlington at its core, but surrounded by performing and fine arts venues, sports, a first-class planetarium and a bevy of retailers and restaurants within an area networked with reclaimed spaces, pedestrian walkways, thousands of students in proximity and accessible linear parks."
FULL STORY: Robert Cluck: Texas doctor, Republican mayor, clean-air champ
Baltimore Bans Gas Leafblowers
The devices release as much air pollution as driving 1,100 miles and have been banned in over 100 U.S. cities.
High Ozone Levels Threaten New Mexico Oil Town
The small community of Loving, New Mexico has higher ozone levels than dense cities like Los Angeles.
Study: Air Pollution Disproportionately Impacts Communities of Color
The negative effects of poor air quality occur at higher rates in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, according to new research.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan
The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.
Housing, Supportive Service Providers Brace for Federal Cuts
Organizations that provide housing assistance are tightening their purse strings and making plans for maintaining operations if federal funding dries up.
Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.
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.
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions