Wildfires
California Communities Embrace Fuel Breaks as Effective Wildfire Strategy
Fuel breaks involve clearing vegetation that feeds fires in order to prevent the catastrophic and fast-spreading wildfires that have plagued the state.
PG&E Promises to Keep the Lights on After Declaring Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Pacific Gas and Electric has declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the face of "actual and potential" liability.
California's Largest Utility Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
PG&E announced that it is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, facing $30 billion in liability after two years of catastrophic wildfires in the state of California.
LA Times: Poor Planning Sealed Paradise's Fate
The planning history of Paradise, California is blamed for the destruction of the city in the Camp Fire. Can planners find new models for both limiting carbon emissions and preparing for the effects of climate change?
Wildfires Threaten Over a Million California Structures in High-Risk Areas
With limited action at the state level, communities in vulnerable areas have launched their own local preparedness programs and plans.
The Price of Natural Disasters
Worldwide, natural disasters cost $155 billion in 2018, according to an insurance industry report.
Rebuilding Paradise: Time to Consider Sewers
Paradise is the largest incorporated city west of the Mississippi River lacking a public sewer system. The town of of 27,000 relies on septic systems, now potentially damaged. Without sewers, multi-family housing construction becomes more difficult.
Wildfire Risks Make Southern California Development a Gamble
The Tejon Ranch development would bring thousands of homes to a highly fire-prone area in L.A. County.
Another Summer of Wildfires and Air Quality Emergencies
A third straight summer spent in a haze of smoke from nearby wildfires is taking a psychological toll on Seattle residents. A political response is also taking shape.
Five Key Energy Bills the California Legislature May Decide this Week
Energy stakeholders in California are watching five important bills to see which go forward with three weeks remaining in the legislative season. One would require the state to generate all electricity from renewable sources by 2045.
Designing Houses to Survive Wildfires
Houses that aren't vulnerable to embers blowing in the wind, could save the government and homeowners millions.
A Map of 'Smoke Events' Around the World
Fire season is back, and it's not safe to breathe in huge swaths of the world.
Wildfire Damage Could Quadruple in Canada by 2100
Several years of catastrophic wildfires in Canada doesn't mean the risk has lessened. Experts predict much worse in the future.
Mapping the Repeated Occurrence of Natural Disasters
The New York Times publishes an interactive feature that illustrates the stubbornness of natural disasters (or humans, in the face of natural disasters).
Climate Change Already Obvious in California
We've all seen the maps that show the water rising around the edges of costal and waterfront communities as sea-level rise and climate change take effect. A new report shows the effects that have already changed the state of California.
California Population Grows to 39,810,000 in 2017
California added 309,000 residents last year, an 8 percent drop compared to annual increases since 2010. The state added a net 85,000 housing units, accounting for losses to wildfires.
Lessons Two and Three From the California Fires
The second and third parts in resiliency expert Dave Hampton's 3-part series on what the California fires teach us about preparing for climate change.
Debating the Future of Development in California's Fire Prone Areas
With the state of California in the grips of its most destructive year of wildfires ever, policy makers are pondering questions about whether it is appropriate to rebuild in places at high risk of burning again.
Complying With New State Laws on ADUs No Easy Matter
Santa Rosa is struggling to complying with two laws passed last year to encourage construction of inlaw units to increase affordable housing. Council members are concerned that loosened restrictions would degrade neighborhood character.
Wildfires Prompt Forestry Debate on Climate Change
While forests sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide, wildfires release enormous amounts of greenhouse gases as they increase in frequency and intensity from climate change.
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
