Vehicle pollution is making cities around the world unlivable. Some cities have taken steps to curb auto use and emissions, with varying levels of success.

"At a time when most of humanity lives in cities, where do cars belong — especially the old, polluting ones that make city air foul for people to breathe?" ask Somini Sengupta and Nadja Popovich. They examine the efforts in a number of cities to limit and regulate driving as well as what has motivated particular strategies and the outcomes of policy measures.
London was an early adopter of congestion pricing, and the city added additional charges this year in an Ultra Low Emission Zone, which it plans to expand in 2021. "By October 2019, nitrogen dioxide levels in the air had declined by 36 percent compared to February 2017, according to an assessment by the city," note Sengupta and Popovich.
Beijing and New Delhi are two cities that have continued to struggle with poor air quality. Beijing instituted a license plate lottery, among other strategies, and pollution has decreased. "But, the city’s air quality still fails to meet national standards for fine particulate pollution and far exceeds levels the World Health Organization deems safe to breathe," say Sengupta and Popovich.
In New Delhi, measures to address pollution have been hindered by the large increase in the number of motorcycles, cars, and trucks that are belching out emissions, and air quality remains at hazardous levels.
Madrid has faced different roadblocks—namely, political maneuvering playing out around a ban on cars in the city center. Even with measured improvements in air quality, conservatives sought, unsuccessfully, to lift the ban. "The Spanish capital is in the throes of a heated debate about what kind of a city it wants to be, and cars are at the heart of it," write Sengupta and Popovich.
FULL STORY: Cities Worldwide Are Reimagining Their Relationship With Cars

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.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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