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.
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