Environment

damaged building on pier in Gulf of Mexico in Galveston, Texas after Hurricane Ike.

3D Modeling Aids in Predicting Hurricane Damage

Texas researchers are testing the tool in Galveston, where Hurricane Ike caused billions in damage in 2008.

June 18, 2024 - Route Fifty

Rendering of proposed linear park in New Rochelle, New York.

NYC Suburb Plans for New Linear Park

An update to the city’s zoning code makes way for a project that would reclaim a former highway and create new green space and recreation opportunities.

June 18, 2024 - City of New Rochelle

Green meadow with water running through and trees on either side in Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite Meadow Undergoing Major Restoration

Rangeland recently acquired from private owners is being restored to a more natural state thanks to a purchase by the Trust for Public Land.

June 17, 2024 - San Francisco Chronicle

Child wearing heart-shaped sunglasses playing at splash pad in park.

City Parks as Cooling Centers

Strategies for making parks cool, inviting community cooling centers during extreme heat.

June 17, 2024 - Bloomberg CityLab

Concrete walkway with landscaping, decorative tiles, and picnic tables in a Los Angeles County park.

Wish Granted: Former Brownfield Transformed to New Park

Wishing Tree Park in West Carson, California officially opened last month, replacing a brownfield site with a much-needed green space for recreation and respite.

June 14, 2024 - Urbanize LA

Thick green forest on edge of lake in Louisville, Kentucky.

Louisville Begins Process to Clean Superfund Site

A public forest is home to dozens of barrels that have been leaking toxic materials for decades.

June 14, 2024 - Inside Climate News

An Inyo Backcountry Trail Crew uses rock bars and other hand tools to build new trail out of rock.

American Climate Corps Echoes New Deal Programs

A new federal initiative places young workers in jobs aimed at building climate resilience, but will it avoid the mistakes of similar programs?

June 13, 2024 - High Country News

Gravel walkway along lake at Earvin Magic Johnson Park in Los Angeles County.

‘Parks After Dark’ Helps LA County Communities Thrive

Los Angeles County's popular Parks After Dark program continues to serve communities in need and offer multiple important benefits, as documented in a recent UCLA study.

June 13, 2024 - UCLA Newsroom

Walkway at San Gabriel River Park.

From Duck Farm to Parkland

The opening of the San Gabriel River Park expands access to green spaces for residents in the San Gabriel Valley, especially for Avocado Heights and other park-poor communities in the area.

June 12, 2024 - San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Oak tree with golden hour sun coming through its leaves on a hill in the San Gabriel Mountains in Southern California.

Southern California’s Oak Trees are Under Threat

Goldspotted oak borers (GSOB) are invasive pests that are harming and killing oak trees across San Diego, Riverside, Orange, and Los Angeles counties.

June 12, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Large wood structure with bridge and people standing on it in green park in Toledo, Ohio.

Innovative Park Agencies Receive National Recognition

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recently announced the recipients of this year’s awards for innovation in health and wellness, equity, conservation, and park design.

June 12, 2024 - National Recreation and Park Association

Coyote resting (and yawning) on top of wall covered in morning glories, Huntington Beach, Orange County, California.

California Bill Would Make Wildlife Connectivity Part of General Plans

The ‘Room to Roam Act’ would require cities and counties to consider local habitats and the impact of development on wildlife corridors and connectivity.

June 11, 2024 - Nossaman LLP

A leaf-free rusty street drain covered in a few inches of water.

Study: D.C.’s Poorest Neighborhoods Are Most Vulnerable to Stormwater

Lack of gray and green infrastructure in the city’s densest communities, particularly in historically Black Southeast D.C., has led to higher amounts of flooding in those neighborhoods.

June 9, 2024 - Phys.org

Three colorful, large beachfront homes, one khaki, one blue, and one yellow, with a small dune in front and flat sand in foreground.

Florida Homeowners 'Nope Out' of Beach Restoration Over Public Access

The U.S. Corps of Engineers and Redington Shores, Florida are at a standstill: The Corps won’t spend public money to restore private beaches, and homeowners are refusing to grant public access to the beaches behind their home in return for federal assistance.

June 7, 2024 - Grist

A gray hope with white roof surrounded by floodwaters that come up just above the home's foundations.

Florida Home Sellers Must Disclose Flood History Under New Law

Prior to the new law, the Sunshine State was one of 18 states that did not require flood disclosure as part of the home selling process.

June 6, 2024 - Inside Climate News

Bird's eye view of park with green trees, concrete walkways, and benches on lake or riverfront.

Celebrating World Environment Day

Commemorate the 51st World Environment Day with this curated list of Planetizen articles highlighting research and projects that promote a healthier, more sustainable world.

June 5, 2024 - Mary Hammon

Close-up of floor fan operating with blurred woman sitting at table in background.

Cooling Costs to Hit 10-Year High This Summer

Longer, more intense heat waves are driving up cooling costs and putting low-income households at higher risk for heat-related illnesses.

June 5, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Heavily damaged white small SUV parked on street with heavy tornado damage and leveled houses in Mayfield, Kentucky.

The Growing Role of Federal Government in Disaster Relief

As flooding, fires, and other disasters become more destructive, an effective response requires more resources than local governments can offer.

June 4, 2024 - Governing

Satalite image of a bright green lake surrounded by brownish-green land

California’s Largest Natural Lake Turns Green With … Algae

A potentially toxic algal bloom has turned Clear Lake in Northern California bright green, fed by increased runoff from human activity.

June 4, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Coal mining equipment and vehicles at coal mining site in Wyoming.

A Win for ‘Keep it in the Ground’

Coal mining in Wyoming will take a major hit as a result of a U.S. Department of Interior plan to cease future leasing of coal mines in the nation's most productive coal mining basin. The decision casts a spotlight on the presidential election.

June 4, 2024 - Irvin Dawid

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.