The economic case for investments in resilience just got a lot stronger.

Kim Slowey shares news of a report from the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) that accounts for the benefits of investing in resilience.
According to Slowey's explanation of the study's finings, "every federal grant dollar spent on disaster resiliency and mitigation can save the U.S. an average of six dollars." Moreover, "every dollar spent on building to a higher standard than select building codes require could save the nation four dollars." Another key finding of the report touts the benefits of resilience investments to long-term jobs and demand for American-made construction materials.
The study examined standards for wind, water, earthquake, and fire resistance—covering multiple angles from which the natural environment can assault the built environment. Attention to matters of resilience is clearly reflected in new building standards. For instance, in November, the U.S. Green Building Council released a new resilient construction standard called RELi.
FULL STORY: Report: Resilient design saves an average of $6 for every $1 spent

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.

Baltimore Ordered to Improve Sidewalk Accessibility
The city is one of many to face lawsuits for failing to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This Toronto Suburb Has More Bus Riders Than Columbus, Ohio
Brampton, Ontario used gradual improvements in service to prove that if you build it, they will ride.

Paris Bike Boom Leads to Steep Drop in Air Pollution
The French city’s air quality has improved dramatically in the past 20 years, coinciding with a growth in cycling.
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