Alaska
Preserving Culture, But Moving From Home as the Permafrost Melts
The village of Newtok, Alaska is subsiding into a nearby river as the permafrost beneath it melts. Villagers want to preserve their heritage, but face moving from their homeland.
2,000,000,000 Cars
In 15 years, the number of cars on the road worldwide is expected to hit 2 billion. Dan Sperling thinks focusing on electric vehicles and low carbon fuel standards will allow us to hit number and survive.
Texas Company To Export Alaskan Water to India
Within 6 to 8 months, Texas-based S2C Global Systems will begin exporting pure Alaskan mountain water all the way to India. The water will then be distributed via tanker to markets in south and west Asia and the Middle East.
New Zoning for Design Stirs Controversy
In Anchorage, Alaska, planners are rolling out a substantial new version of their zoning code, which includes some design requirements like no blank walls. Business owners are up in arms over the proposed changes.
Worst-Case Tsunami Scenario Mapped
The event of a huge earthquake off the Aleutian Islands could send a devastating tsunami towards the West coast of the U.S. Researchers have released maps of what a worst-case scenario might look like for coastal communities.
Melting Glaciers Cause Land to Rise in Alaska
Sea levels are declining near Juneau, Alaska, as a result of melting glaciers. Though it may seem a good sign in the face of climate change, the expanding earth is causing some major environmental concerns.
Anchorage Needs to Heed New Bike Plan
Anchorage, Alaska recently completed a citywide bicycle master plan. Despite the costs of the projects in the plan, this oped argues it's exactly the blueprint the city needs to put into action.
Wind Power Proposed For Windy Alaskan Villages
The Alaskan government has announced plans to build wind turbines in six small villages along the state's windy western coast. Locals applaud the investment.
Gas From Ice
Methane gas hydrates are flammable ice crystals packed with hydrocarbons. Until recently, it was too expensive to recover the fuel trapped in the ice, but new technology and demand are opening up possibilities.
Anti-Zoning Stand Marked Palin's Early Political Career
Days after Palin became Mayor she cast a proud, dissenting vote against the first zoning plan in Wasilla's history. Wasilla today reflects the results of Palin's free-market approach to development.
T. Boone Meets Gov. Palin To Talk Energy
Oil, gas and wind man T.Boone Pickens is clearly interjecting himself and his plan into presidential, and vice-presidential politics. Recently, he sat down with Sarah and Todd Palin to promote his plan of using natural gas as a transportation fuel.
Fairbanks' Emissions Exceed National Average
Greenhouse gas emissions in Fairbanks, Alaska are significantly higher than the national average, according to one report.
Trying to Keep Youth in Changing Alaskan Fishing Towns
For coastal fishing communities in Alaska, tighter rules on fishing mean that there are fewer jobs. This is especially evident for younger populations, who find few reasons to stay in town. Researchers are looking at ways to increase retention.
Palin's Environmental Legacy
VP candidate Sarah Palin recently commented on the love and respect she and her fellow Alaskans have for the environment, but locals say that in her time as mayor she 'fouled her own nest.'
Controversial Land Trade on Hold in Yukon Flats
A decision on whether or not to swap potentially oil-rich, protected land in the Yukon Flats with private wetlands will not be reached for another year. Appraisals will be underway to determine whether or not the controversial trade is fair.
The Anti-Zoning Attitude of Palin's Hometown
VP hopeful Sarah Palin's hometown of Wasilla, Alaska is proud of its anti-government attitude and anything goes climate for building and planning.
Snow Forces City To Conserve
An avalanche decimates an Alaskan city's energy infrastructure, leading residents to craft creative ways to conserve energy and lower their utility bills.
By Necessity, City Becomes Leader In Energy Conservation
After an avalanche drastically cut the supply of electricity, residents the Alaskan capital of Juneau cut their power consumption by almost 40 percent in a few weeks. Now the city is gaining attention as a leader in energy conservation.
The Burn and the Boom of Climate Change in Alaska
Climate change will probably be pretty devastating for coastal Alaska, but it could also bring a boom to the area's economy, according to a recent report.
Citizens Hope to Kick Off-Road Park Off Track
Controversy over noise and property values have pitted homeowners against city officials with plans to build an off-road vehicle park in Juneau, Alaska.
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
