USA Today debunks the false claim that the United Nations’ call for enabling 15-minute cities is a coded plan to institute ‘climate change lockdowns.’

Writing in USA Today, Isabella Fertel fact-checks the conspiracy-minded claim that the concept of the 15-minute city is a global plot to create “climate change lockdowns.”
To be clear, the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development makes zero mentions of lockdowns or keeping people in their own neighborhoods. Rather, the 15-minute city is shorthand for the goal of making transit, jobs, healthcare, parks, and all the other amenities we come to expect from city life accessible to all residents within a 15-minute walk or bike ride.
Carlos Moreno, who coined the concept, says “The core of the ‘15-minute city’ is an open city, a human city, an interconnected city.” Moreno adds, “Of course, all citizens are free to go where they want. There are no constraints.” Dan Luscher, founder of the 15-Minute City Project, says the concept is about promoting, not limiting, mobility.
FULL STORY: Fact check: False claim ‘15-minute cities’ are actually ‘climate lockdowns’

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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