Voters across the country are using the ballot box to decide how they want their communities and cities to grow.
"Alarmed by dwindling park space, disappearing farmland and encroaching strip malls, Americans are using the ballot box to try to govern the growth of their communities. Dubbed urban sprawl, the problem diminishes quality of life, endangers the environment and whisks jobs into the suburbs, away from the working poor, many citizen groups contend. On Nov. 7, voters embraced ballot measures to preserve open space, such as expanding parks and saving farmland, but rejected strict local growth restrictions. Voters also approved an array of transportation measures to encourage public transportation and ease emphasis on cars."
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
FULL STORY: Voters take action on 'urban sprawl'
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?
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.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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