• The Importance of Understanding Zoning Regulations

    The Importance of Understanding Zoning Regulations

    Zoning regulations provide essential protections to residential communities, safeguard property values and promote responsible commercial, industrial and agricultural practices. Furthermore, they ensure cities develop in an orderly fashion while still protecting both environmental and historical areas. These laws provide protection from nuisances such as smoke-emitting factories. By understanding the relationship between zoning and building codes,…

  • The Importance of Digital Governance

    The Importance of Digital Governance

    2026 will mark a time when new technologies will further integrate government, markets and civil societies, merging their previously separate spheres into one cohesive whole. In order to ensure these transformations serve the public good effectively, governance must be strengthened. Digital Governance refers to a set of systems, policies and practices designed to ensure digital…

  • What Is Community Engagement?

    What Is Community Engagement?

    Community engagement builds relationships, trust, and accountability between institutions and communities; as well as more inclusive policy-making and service delivery processes. Internal reporting is an integral component of community engagement efforts, providing leadership within your organization or team with information regarding analysis and outcomes of initiatives undertaken. Definition Community engagement is a broad term, covering…

  • The Environmental Benefits of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

    The Environmental Benefits of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

    Electric vehicles (EVs) operate using an electric motor powered by a large capacity battery and require far fewer mechanical parts and maintenance than traditional cars. If your budget allows, leasing an electric vehicle (EV) may be your best bet. Many manufacturers provide closed-end lease agreements which protect from depreciation. Zero tailpipe emissions Battery electric vehicles…

  • Carbon Capture and Storage

    Carbon Capture and Storage

    Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is one of five technologies that can help us reach net zero emissions. CCS reduces emissions from power plants and other industrial facilities while decarbonising sectors that have historically been difficult to tackle. CO2 captured from the atmosphere is stored permanently underground using geological formations such as saline formations, depleted…

  • Climate Change Mitigation and Local Governments

    Climate Change Mitigation and Local Governments

    Climate change mitigation refers to actions we can take to lower greenhouse gas emissions and transition towards renewable energy sources, while simultaneously combatting infectious disease outbreaks and protecting biodiversity. UNDP is working towards pricing carbon pollution and speeding the switch towards cleaner energies across countries worldwide, in an attempt to limit global warming to 1.5…

  • Energy Policy in the United States

    Energy Policy in the United States

    Energy policies serve three general objectives: national security, environmental impacts and economic outcomes. Governments implement energy policies through various strategies including supporting renewables, regulating energy markets and setting carbon pricing schemes. Sustainable energy technologies are key to combatting climate change and decreasing our reliance on fossil fuels, with governments often providing financial incentives in the…

  • What Is a Mixed-Use Development?

    What Is a Mixed-Use Development?

    Mixed-use developments offer residents multiple ways to live, work and play within one neighborhood while decreasing reliance on vehicles. They frequently include public spaces like plazas and corridors between buildings that foster social connectivity between residents. Local governments are increasing implementing projects in response to consumer demand for high-quality walkable communities that combine offices, shopping,…

  • Green Buildings

    Green Buildings

    Green buildings reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve energy and water resources, minimize waste production and enhance the environment. Plants and trees play a significant role in green building strategies like green roofs and rain gardens which help minimize stormwater run-off and pollution. Green buildings typically cost more to construct due to requiring higher-quality materials and…

  • Benefits of Transit-Oriented Development

    Benefits of Transit-Oriented Development

    Transit-oriented development seeks to create vibrant communities around public transport nodes by designing walkable developments with mixed uses and increased density that promote greater public transit usage while decreasing automobile dependence. This practice can create vibrant centers of activity while decreasing automobile use. TODs (Town Center Developments) are mixed urban places that combine people, activities,…