After years of neglect, a multi-million dollar effort is underway to restore Boston's Emerald Necklace -- the oldest park system in the country -- in keeping with the original vision of its designer the famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
"Like a dusty family heirloom, Boston's renowned Emerald Necklace, the oldest public park system in the country, has lost its manicuredluster to decades of benign neglect and overuse. Its rambling meadows, stone bridges, quiet pathways and ponds still provide a restorativeretreat in the midst of a bustling city. But the pastoral landscape that famed architect Frederick Law Olmsted so deliberately constructedto appear natural has evolved into a true wilderness, with invasive plant species treading on carefully cultivated vegetation and accidentaltrees spoiling well-orchestrated vistas.Now, for the first time in nearly 100 years, the necklace's woodlands and waterways are being restored in keeping with Olmsted'spioneering vision. As part of a multimillion-dollar effort, public agencies and private groups together are working on plans to dredge thesilt-filled Muddy River and proceed with what amounts to the monumental weeding of a spectacular urban garden."
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
FULL STORY: Restoring an Urban Necklace's Sheen

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Research Shows More Roads = More Driving
A national study shows, once again, that increasing road supply induces additional vehicle travel, particularly over the long run.

Judge Halts Enforcement of Anti-Homeless Laws in Grants Pass
The Oregon city will be barred from enforcing two ordinances that prosecute unhoused residents until it increases capacity and accessibility at designated camping sites.

Advancing Sustainability in Los Angeles County Schools
The Los Angeles County Office of Education’s Green Schools Symposium brings together educators, students, and experts to advance sustainability in schools through innovative design, climate resilience strategies, and collaborative learning.

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.
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.
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport