A roundup of stories about the creatures that share our cities.

Writing in Bloomberg CityLab, Linda Poon rounds up some 2023 highlights featuring urban wildlife “To illustrate how our changing cities are shaping the lives of animals.”
The article mentions a bear who wandered into the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, noting that bear activity is increasing around the country as bears seek out food in shrinking habitats. On the plus side, the United States is finally investing in wildlife crossings, with the world’s largest breaking ground in Los Angeles.
In New York, two dolphins were spotted in the Bronx River, “not only a rare treat for New Yorkers but also a sign that the city’s clean-up effort is making progress.” In Chicago, a family of red foxes took up residence in Millennium Park.
See the source article to learn about New York City’s rat czar, a Tasmanian seal, and more animal-related news.
FULL STORY: How Animals and Cities Collided in 2023

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

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.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Waymo Gets Permission to Map SF’s Market Street
If allowed to operate on the traffic-restricted street, Waymo’s autonomous taxis would have a leg up over ride-hailing competitors — and counter the city’s efforts to grow bike and pedestrian on the thoroughfare.

Parklet Symposium Highlights the Success of Shared Spaces
Parklets got a boost during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the concept was translated to outdoor dining programs that offered restaurants a lifeline during the shutdown.

Federal Homelessness Agency Places Entire Staff on Leave
The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness is the only federal agency dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness.
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