Local communities are taking the lead in energy conservation and innovation.
Without a crisis, energy policy gets little political or media attention. The nation has had difficulty sustaining a consistent energy policy, even though improved efficiency would benefit the environment and the environment is always a political hot button. Instead, energy policy seems to lurch back and forth with each new administration.That situation may be changing at least at the local level. By confronting their own energy challenges through planning and experimentation, some communities are discovering that they can both help the environment and stimulate economic development. They are finding that gains in energy efficiency can mitigate the impact of electricity blackouts, and that conservation and the use of renewable sources may help avoid battles over proposed generation and transmission facilities.
Thanks to American Planning Association
FULL STORY: Who's Got the Energy?
The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall
The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.
Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities
The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.
Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly
The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.
LA-to-San Francisco Night Train Closer to Reality
A train operator has entered into formal negotiations with Union Pacific to move the project forward with a projected launch date of 2025.
Lawsuit Aims to Stop Dodger Stadium Gondola
A proposed aerial tram project that would shuttle visitors to L.A.’s Dodger Stadium faces backlash from environmental and community groups.
Why Parking Reform Goes Hand in Hand With More Housing
To achieve the full benefits of ‘missing middle housing’ and make way for small-lot construction, cities must rethink parking mandates.
City of Yakima
City of Auburn
Baylands Development Inc.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Birmingham, Alabama
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
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.