Concerned that a proposed highway from the Alftanes peninsula to the Reykjavik suburbs will disturb Icelandic elf habitat, an elf lobbying group is joining forces with environmentalists to try to stop the project.
"An Icelandic group called the Hrauvinir, or 'Friends of the Lava,' have joined with environmentalists to seek an injunction from the country's Supreme Court against a building project by the Icelandic Road and Coastal Commission which was green-lit in September," reports Zachary Green. "In addition to arguments about the environmental impact of such a project, the Hrauvinir also claim that the road work will disturb the 'Huldufolk' -- or 'hidden folk' -- the ancient elves of Iceland."
No, dear readers, this is not a joke. According to Green: "The belief in elves is widespread enough and the objections to road work projects that might disturb ancient elf habitats so frequent, that the Icelandic Road and Coastal Commission has written a boilerplate, standard reply for any press inquiries on the subject, saying it will not answer questions on whether its 'employees do or do not believe in elves and 'hidden people' because opinion differs greatly on this and it tends to be a rather personal matter.'"
FULL STORY: In Iceland, elves aren't just Santa's little helpers
For Advice on Accessibility, Look to Iceland
Cities around the country installed over 1,700 wheelchair ramps in the last five years, thanks in part to one man’s initiative.
Holiday Travel Rebounds, Changes Shape
The number of Americans traveling for the winter holidays is expected to come close to pre-pandemic levels, while remote work is leading to more diverse travel schedules.
Second Anniversary of the COVID-19 Pandemic
March 11 marked the second anniversary of WHO's declaration of the pandemic and the beginning of its third year. Cases continue to plummet in the U.S. and plateau globally while war in Europe has overshadowed the virus that has killed 6 million.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
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?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
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