Public Health
The Carbon Neutral Controversy Surrounding Biomass
A controversial biomass amendment added to the Senate's energy bill would make the burning of wood for energy purposes a renewable source of energy. While the proposal has broad, bipartisan Congressional support, many groups oppose it.
An Economic Assessment of the Public Health Benefits of Bike Lanes
Bike lanes are considered a social intervention, and not directly medically related. But they are also proving to have an obviously positive effect on public health outcomes.
Rethinking Traffic Safety
The United States has, by far, the highest traffic fatality rate among peer countries. Don’t blame drivers; planners need to rethink transportation safety.
Tamping Down Urban Heat Islands
As summer temperatures rise and heat waves roll through, cities can take steps to keep cool. But shedding the heat may be difficult for urban areas designed to retain it.
100 Objects; 100 Ways to Influence Public Health
As the public health and planning professions expand their partnership around the world, consider this list by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health of the 100 Objects That Shaped Public Health.”
Oakland's Lack of Affordable Housing Declared 'Public Health Crisis'
There's a physical cost to rising rents, and Oakland residents are paying the price.
Air Pollution from Natural Gas Industry in Pennsylvania on the Rise
With a 32 percent increase in natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania, it is no surprise that emissions are increasing as well, particularly sulfur dioxide. However, the increase was dwarfed by decreases from the power sector.
Florida DOT Taking a New, Data-Driven Approach to Pedestrian Safety
The Florida Department of Transportation is trying to change the state's status as the most dangerous in the nation for pedestrians, with 5,100 people killed while walking between 2003 and 2010.
Mixed-Use Development as an Obesity Reduction Tool
An introductory lesson in mixed-use development produces lessons and resources for obesity reduction.
Study: Uber Doesn't Reduce Drunk Driving Fatalities
The debate about the benefits of transportation network companies, like Uber, continues.
Housing Quality Can Impact Child Development
A home in poor physical condition can be "devastating" to a child's early development, a study of Cleveland kindergarteners found.
Designing for Physical Inactivity
In this New York Times opinion, health issues correspondent Meera Senthilingam writes that too much of New York City is not designed for physical activity, including walking. Imagine what the suburbs and less vibrant cities are like!
Judge Throws Out Key Component of New York's Vision Zero Policy
Citing drivers for failure to "exercise due care" (administrative code 19-190) is a key enforcement tool of Mayor Bill de Blasio's Vision Zero policy, but a judge just threw it out.
Mapping the World of Bacteria Alive in the World's Subways
A project launched several years ago in New York City is making its way to cities around the world—much like the bacteria that the world's billions of transit users transfer around the surfaces of subway trains, stations, and buses.
Energy Agency Totals Annual Death Toll from Air Pollution at 6.5 Million
The study by the Paris-based International Energy Agency finds a direct connection to the energy industry. Credit goes to IEA executive director Fatih Birol for expanding the organization's mission beyond its traditional purpose, energy security.
New York Launches New Pedestrian Safety Plan
The New York State Pedestrian Safety Action Plan will invest $110 million to improve pedestrian safety in the state of New York.
A Lack of Action Despite Evidence of Safety Risks Posed by Digital Billboards
The Eno Center for Transportation lays out a clear appeal for action to regulate the time, place, and manner of digital billboards.
More Bad News for Coal: U.S. Supreme Court Won't Block Mercury Emissions Rule
For a second time, the U.S. Supreme Court chose not to hear from 20 states that sought to block implementation of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rule on mercury and air toxins that largely affects coal-fired power plants and public health.
Lessons from the Paleolithic Era for Contemporary Urbanites
Gustav Milne makes a simple argument via The Guardian: urbanization "is bad for us."
Why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Doesn't Use 'Accidents'
Call them crashes, collisions, even incidents, just don't call them 'accidents,' emphatically states Mark R. Rosekind, Ph.D., Administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the nation's premier traffic safety agency.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
