Environment
‘Cool Community’ Project Yields Promising Results
A ten-block area in one of L.A.’s most heat-prone neighborhoods saw significant reductions in surface and air temperature thanks to an innovative street treatment that could help communities around the country mitigate the impacts of extreme heat.
State Bill Protects New York’s Community Gardens
The legislation recognizes community gardens as vital urban spaces and an effective weapon against the impacts of climate change on cities.
What Is Green Infrastructure?
Green infrastructure harnesses nature to the benefit of the built environments as well as human and animal life.
How to Scale Up Heat Mitigation
As heat waves intensify, cities are seeking out heat mitigation techniques that can be applied widely and benefit entire neighborhoods.
Proposed Regulatory Changes Would Raise the Cost of Oil Drilling on Public Land
The new rules would raise more money for cleanup operations and bring more revenue to oil-producing states, but are a far cry from fulfilling President Biden’s promise to end extraction on public lands.
NJ v. U.S. DOT: Cordon Pricing in Manhattan
The State of New Jersey filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Transportation on Friday to halt the Manhattan cordon pricing project approved in June by the FHWA, charging that they violated the National Environmental Protection Act.
Improving Transit Access to Parks and Trails
Too often, national parks and other recreational spaces in the United States are difficult or impossible to access without a car. Some parks are working to change that.
Chicago Flood Mitigation Scrambles to Keep up With Climate Change
The city’s geography and the growing intensity of storms due to climate change are making it difficult for local officials to prevent neighborhood flooding and wastewater spills.
The Double-Edged Sword of ‘Healthfields’
Building hospitals and other health-oriented facilities on former brownfield sites can benefit the community, but can also perpetuate historic inequities and exploit undervalued land at the expense of local residents.
How to ID Urban Wildflowers
Ever wonder what those flowers growing through a crack in the sidewalk are? This guide from Streetsblog has you covered.
Public Lands in the United States, Part Two: The Conservation Turn and ‘America’s Best Idea’
As Western expansion reached its geographic terminus, the U.S. government began tightening rules around land use and designating protected areas such as national parks and wilderness areas, often displacing local Native Americans in favor of a Wester
EPA Grant Will Fund Air Pollution Tracking in Houston
The city wants to monitor air quality and measure cancer-causing emissions near two petrochemical plants, one of which announced plans for expansion last year.
San Francisco’s Tunnel Tops Gets Family-Oriented Expansion
Unlike its flashier, selfie-friendly neighbor, the new Outpost Meadow is designed to provide comfortable space for locals.
Houston’s Equity Score Leaves Room for Improvement
Houston is an international city, with a diverse population and economy. Its equity indicators, however, are relatively average compared to other U.S. cities.
How Noise Pollution Impacts Nature
Overly loud noise isn’t just a public health risk for humans.
Washington Governor Delays Progress on Mileage Fee, Again
For the second time in two years, Gov. Jay Inslee has dealt a legislative setback to transportation planning efforts to prepare for the 2035 ban on the sale of gas-tax paying light duty motor vehicles to reduce carbon emissions.
Overcrowding at Yosemite National Park
Long lines of cars have been trying to enter the park, with many stuck in traffic for hours and vehicles parked illegally in traffic lanes, on grass, and between rocks.
Wildfire Exposure More Than Doubled Since 2000
More intense and widespread fires caused by climate change and changing air temperature are threatening more existing communities.
Who Is Enjoying the Great Outdoors?
Findings from the 2023 Annual Outdoor Participation Trends Report reveals the “who, how, and where” in participation in outdoor recreation.
Parks and Recreation as a Health Solution
New research by the Trust for Public Land explores connections between urban parks and health, building on prior research and offering insights such as the growing importance of partnerships with health organizations.
Placer County
City of Morganton
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Dongguan Binhaiwan Bay Area Management Committee
City of Waukesha, WI
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Indiana Borough
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.
