The residents and government of the city of Nome, Alaska are unimpressed with the whining they heard this winter.
Nome, Alaska - The Office of Mayor Denise Michels released a statement earlier this week in response to claims that this winter was more difficult than normal in many parts of the United States.
Included in the statement: “Which Polar Vortex? Oh, that Polar Vortex? We call that Thursday.”
At a press conference to announce the statement, Mayor Michels asked reporters, “Did you hear what happened in Atlanta?” before slapping her forehead and exhaling pure disgust.
“I just want to offer you all some perspective,” said Mayor Michels. “Here in Nome, the average January temperature is 5.2 °F. That’s -14.9 °C for those of you living it up in Canada all winter long.”
Mayor Michels reminded the Lower 48 that although highs may breach the freezing point 2-4 times per month from December to March, Nome experiences 74-75 days a year when temperatures fall to 0 °F (-18 °C) or lower.
Michels concluded the press conference with an invitation: “If you think you can handle that, you’re welcome in Nome any time. We’ll grab a beer and watch the Seahawks game or something.”
FULL STORY: Nome, Alaska to Lower 48: What Polar Vortex?
California-Style Rolling Blackouts Come to Texas
As bad as the power outages are in Texas, they would be much worse if the independent energy grid operator hadn't initiated rolling blackouts. In an extensive interview with CBS Austin, Bill Magness, the head of ERCOT, explains what went wrong.
Self-Driving Cars Still Can't Recognize the Difference Between a Wedding Planner and an Urban Planner
Pundits agree that planners need to prepare for self-driving cars. Self-driving cars still need to prepare for planners.
Florida Man Thought the New Comp Plan Included Zoning Changes
A Florida man is accused of not realizing an entirely separate process would be required to implement the zoning changes recommended in a recently approved comprehensive plan.
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