China's chemical plants threaten its famous rivers which flow through major population centers.
"...a sobering acknowledgment by the Beijing government that rapid industrial development has outstripped the nation's ability to regulate environmental hazards...More than half of the [the nation's 21,000 riverside chemical plants] sit on the banks of China's most famous waterways, the Yellow and the Yangtze, which flow for thousands of miles and pass through population centers that depend on them for drinking water. Both are vital to crop irrigation as well...[China's environment chief] acknowledged that the problems were tied to the country's fast-paced development, which has put economics ahead of the environment."
FULL STORY: China Finds Chemical Plants Pose Widespread Risk to Rivers

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.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.

Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.

Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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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.
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