Cities across the country have ambitious goals to move to renewable energy, but support at the federal level is lacking. A new program will assist cities with procurement and regulation of renewables.

The American Cities Climate Challenge Renewables Accelerator will provide technical resources and tools to U.S. cities to help them reach their renewable energy goals. "The program will help cities procure and deploy large-scale, off-site renewable energy and navigate any regulations and laws that might impede progress," reports Chris Teale.
The Renewables Accelerator is a collaborative effort related to the American Cities Climate Challenge, a Bloomberg Philanthropies effort. "The 2.8 gigawatts of renewable capacity it aims to build is more than the existing solar capacity in Nevada, Florida or Texas, so cities will need to be creative in their procurement and deployment strategies," notes Teale.
The United States withdrew from the Paris climate accord in 2017. These programs reflect the desire of city leaders to be proactive in addressing climate change, particularly with what they see as a lack of national leadership.
FULL STORY: Bloomberg-backed accelerator to help cities meet renewable energy goals

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.

Restoring Northern India’s Himalayan ‘Water Temples’
Thousands of centuries-old buildings protect the region’s natural springs and serve as community wells and gathering places.

Milwaukee to Double Bike Share Stations
Bublr Bikes, one of the nation’s most successful, will add 500 new e-bikes to its system.

DC Extends Application Window for Outdoor Dining Permits
District restaurants will have until the end of November to apply, but businesses with permits in rush hour parking lanes must end operations on July 31.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service