A device invented to cool factories changed where and how our cities formed.
Air-conditioning changed where and how cities were built. Increased global demand for air-conditioning the world's mega-cities could impact the planet's climate.
"...the potential cooling demand from Mumbai alone is one-quarter of the demand for the entire United States...The air conditioner played a role in shaping the Southern metros we see today in the United States, and air conditioned mega cities will eventually shape the climate of the planet. "
Read the full story: Cities That Wouldn't Exist Without Air Conditioning
'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide
Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.
EPA erases limits on planet-warming pollution from power plants
Under Monday’s plan, power plants would still have some limits on how much mercury, arsenic and other contaminants they can emit.
Climate change is battering US water systems
The American Water Works Association estimates that roughly $2 trillion will be needed to update municipal water systems for contemporary conditions.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Northwest rail fans eager for Sept. 30 debut of Amtrak’s Airo fleet
Get ready for that new train smell and more seats. But they won’t go faster or run more frequently on the Cascades route in Washington and Oregon.
California lawmakers approve just 5% of much-needed LA28 transportation funding
State legislators appear just as unwilling as Trump to pay for Olympics-related transportation projects.
MTA looks to bring AI-assisted, multilingual announcement system to subways
Some of the transit agency’s audio systems haven’t been upgraded in 40 years.
Houston Metro makes on-demand rideshare pilot a permanent part of its network
The transit agency is launching upgrades to three of its on-demand services.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello