Planning & Growth

"The surprising history of cars in the U.S. offers hope for a shift toward more climate-friendly transportation options."

"Parks, trails, housing, commercial development, flood resiliency efforts and new community amenities are supposed to turn the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River into the next Inner Harbor. But some activists worry about gentrification and more injustice."

"Promising to end the practice of piling on more environmental burdens to the same South and West Side communities, Mayor Brandon Johnson is proposing a series of reforms aimed at changing city practices after federal investigators last year determined Chicago violates the civil rights of its residents by concentrating polluting businesses in Black and Brown communities."

"The Biden administration announced Tuesday it will open applications for the first tranche of funding — $400 million — to help states and territories take up energy-efficient building codes.

A senior administration official told reporters Monday that under the codes, new buildings and major renovations would be done with better construction and in a way that is more efficient and resilient.

The Energy Department said in a press release announcing the funding that homes built using modern energy codes are 40 percent more efficient than homes built 15 years ago."

"The U.S. Forest Service, part of the Agriculture Department, said Thursday that it will issue 385 grants to increase access to trees and nature in cities, towns and suburbs around the country."

"Overuse is draining and damaging aquifers nationwide, a New York Times data investigation revealed."

"All across the country, downtowns, office spaces and shopping centers are at risk of becoming ground zero for a new economic hazard: the urban doom loop. The fear is that a commercial real estate apocalypse could spiral out and slow commerce, wrecking local tax revenue in the process."