On Veterans Day, Kaid Benfield reports on efforts underway to house and serve America's veterans sustainably.
Although an overall unemployment rate for veterans lower than the national average is an encouraging sign, veteran homelessness remains an urgent problem in the United States, with those who served comprising a third of all US homeless men. In previous posts, Benfield has highlighted a supportive housing development in Milwaukee and a job training program in sustainable agriculture as examples of projects aiding veterans that deserve emulation. In this article, he adds to the list with descriptions of "encouraging projects that combine sustainability with support for veterans."
These include a cooperative multifamily housing project in Pittsfield, Massachusetts that is "intended to serve as a new national model for transitioning veterans from homelessness to homeownership;" "a new green, affordable housing complex exclusively for veterans" in Portland; a "deep-green" demonstration project in Haverhill, Massachusetts for veterans in transitional housing; and a national effort [PDF] to "incorporate a higher level of green building materials and processes into homes built for severely injured veterans."
FULL STORY: Green homes, services provide opportunity and pride for veterans
Drop in Veteran Homelessness Offers Lessons
Bipartisan support, robust funding, and access to comprehensive data are keys to the success of programs that assist unhoused veterans.
Homelessness Among Veterans Drops Sharply
The number of unhoused vets fell by more than 50 percent since 2016, with significant gains made in the last two years.
Veteran Homelessness on the Rise Again in Expensive Cities
The news about veteran homelessness rising in expensive cities might come as a surprise, after years of reported progress.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)