• The Importance of Zoning Regulations

    The Importance of Zoning Regulations

    Zoning laws govern how land can be utilized to meet both local needs and citywide planning strategies. Residential zoning (Residence Districts (R1 to R10)) usually prohibits businesses such as drugstores or Woolworth’s from operating within neighborhoods; additionally it may place limits on which types and how many animals can be kept at homes. Residential Zoning…

  • The Importance of Community Engagement

    The Importance of Community Engagement

    Community engagement involves gathering community members together to address issues, build trust between members, and empower communities to find solutions. When properly implemented, engagement can lead to increased social equity and inclusion as well as improved decision-making outcomes as well as stronger partnerships, accountability and ownership for everyone involved. Effective community engagement requires engaging in…

  • What Is Digital Governance?

    What Is Digital Governance?

    Digital governance is a framework that establishes accountability and roles for overseeing an organization’s digital products and services, from content, design, technical infrastructure, security, funding to product, project and program management. Step one in creating your strategy should be to establish it through stakeholder interviews and by creating a task force to guide this process…

  • Carbon Capture and Storage – Fighting Climate Change

    Carbon Capture and Storage – Fighting Climate Change

    Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is one strategy for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel power plants and other industrial facilities. CCS utilizes technologies that capture CO2, transport it underground and store it permanently. CO2 can be stored safely for millions of years by injecting it into saline aquifers or depleted oil and gas…

  • The Benefits of Owning Electric Vehicles

    The Benefits of Owning Electric Vehicles

    Electric vehicles (EVs) offer lower operating costs compared to gas-powered cars and produce no emissions or tailpipe emissions, in addition to recapturing energy during braking for greater efficiency. McKinsey estimates that increasing electric vehicle adoption will reduce climate change impacts. By 2030, they may help prevent 6 million barrels of oil being burned daily! Ease…

  • Climate Change Mitigation

    Climate Change Mitigation

    Climate change mitigation refers to actions undertaken by humans that reduce human contributions to global warming by decreasing emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases and expanding carbon sinks (such as forests). Mitigation also includes encouraging communities to adopt cleaner energy sources and practices. Goal of global greenhouse gas stabilization efforts is to achieve long-term balances that…

  • The Political Economy of Energy Policy

    The Political Economy of Energy Policy

    Energy policies drive decisions regarding production and consumption of energy resources, and involve organizations from local governments to international trade organizations. Energy development must include new and expanded protections for iconic landscapes and ensure taxpayers receive fair compensation for their natural resources. Furthermore, development should avoid having harmful impacts such as fracking or pipeline construction…

  • Green Buildings

    Green Buildings

    Green buildings help the environment by lowering their carbon footprint and cutting back on energy and resource use. Reduce waste through recycling materials and efficient construction practices; they use engineered wood products, low VOC paints and other sustainable materials that promote sustainability. Comfort is achieved with natural lighting, low drafts and insulated windows. Utilizing solar…

  • The Benefits of Mixed-Use Development

    The Benefits of Mixed-Use Development

    Mixed-use development is an integral component of urban planning. It fosters sustainable urban growth while offering numerous advantages for both residents and businesses alike. Recognize and evaluate opportunities for development that support mixed-use community design when issuing Requests for Proposals on publicly owned properties near transit stations (CDC, 2015). Develop walkable communities that prioritize destinations…

  • Benefits of Transit-Oriented Development

    Benefits of Transit-Oriented Development

    TOD (Transit Oriented Development) refers to urban growth that integrates jobs, services and housing alongside quality public transportation in an organized, walkable fashion – helping reduce dependence on automobiles while encouraging shorter commutes and healthier lifestyles. Research demonstrates the many advantages of TOD for productivity, livability and resilience against natural disasters. A new report explores…