What could FEMA’s new disaster resilience zones mean for communities?

The program could be a “major inflection point in U.S. climate and disaster policy,” according to Urban Institute researchers, but the investment could also spur “green gentrification.”

By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 16, 2024

Delivery has a pollution problem. These cities are working to address it.

A new initiative will help cities test innovative startup and corporate solutions in a bid to curb ballooning emissions, primarily from trucks.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 12, 2024

Outdoor workers at risk even on ‘cooler’ summer days, study finds

Researchers found that laborers came to work dehydrated and had elevated core temperatures even under moderate conditions.

By Zachary Phillips • Jan. 10, 2024

Labor Department’s new rule redefines independent contractors

The rule will make it harder for companies to treat workers as independent contractors rather than employees entitled to certain legal protections. Companies including Lyft and Uber said they don’t expect major impacts.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 9, 2024

FEMA disaster resilience loan program grows to $150M this year

The Federal Emergency Management Agency streamlined the application process for the funding program based on feedback from last year.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 8, 2024

Philadelphia mayor drops degree requirements for some city jobs hours after inauguration

Only about one-third of Philadelphians 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, U.S. Census Bureau data shows.

By Caroline Colvin • Jan. 5, 2024

EPA picks 11 ‘grantmakers’ to dole out $600M for environmental justice projects

By selecting community-based organizations as pass-through entities for grants, the Environmental Protection Agency says it is reducing barriers to federal funding.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Dec. 22, 2023

Housing, care increasingly unaffordable for growing US elderly population, report warns

With income inequality, mortgage debt and climate change risks to housing all increasing, creative solutions are needed, the Harvard University report says. 

By Austyn Gaffney • Dec. 21, 2023

Senators call for changes to ‘inefficient’ disaster recovery funding program

The status quo leaves disaster-struck communities in the lurch as they wait for Congress to OK recovery funds, experts said at a Senate appropriations subcommittee hearing.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Dec. 18, 2023

Public housing residents get free college advising in LA program

The “no-barrier” program, open to residents of any age or educational attainment, provides mentors and other guidance.

By Kalena Thomhave • Dec. 12, 2023

For climate resilience, housing is ‘the name of the game’ in this fast-growing US city

Population is booming in Jacksonville, Florida, but to avoid putting people at increased risk, the city is eyeing paradigm shifts in development patterns.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Dec. 11, 2023

HUD announces new building decarbonization efforts at COP28

As the U.S. pledges to make near-zero-emissions buildings the “new normal” by 2030, the housing agency is teaming up with other departments for access to the best available data and research.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Dec. 7, 2023

Kansas City, Missouri, proposal would ban discrimination based on housing vouchers

The city could join more than 120 jurisdictions that outlaw providers from denying housing due to a renter’s source of income.

By Mary Salmonsen • Dec. 6, 2023

New housing slows regional rent growth: NYU researchers

Critics of new construction as a way to boost affordable housing worry about gentrification and displacement. A new report counters such arguments.

By Mary Salmonsen • Dec. 6, 2023

Cooling cities while reducing emissions: 3 takeaways from UN report

Increasing air conditioning and refrigeration needs threaten to drive up greenhouse gas emissions, pushing experts to recommend more passive solutions in a Dec. 5 report.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Dec. 6, 2023

US DOT announces $1.5B round of RAISE grants for 2024

The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity program supports road, rail, transit and port projects, and is open to a wide range of applicants.

By Dan Zukowski • Dec. 1, 2023

EPA announces $2B for local environmental justice projects

Federal climate funding has been criticized as difficult for less-resourced communities to access. The new grant program includes key elements to counter such challenges.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Nov. 22, 2023

Not your mother’s library: How book-borrowing institutions are evolving

With resources that range from teaching kitchens to 3D printers, libraries across the U.S. are innovating to meet the changing needs of urban communities.

By Kalena Thomhave • Nov. 17, 2023

Biden announces $6B for climate resilience as report warns of ‘insufficient’ adaptation

Most U.S. climate adaptation actions are “incremental” rather than “transformative,” the nation’s preeminent report on climate change says.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Nov. 14, 2023

Cities tackle rising pedestrian deaths

Experts cite risky, distracted and impaired driving — as well as less traffic enforcement — as factors sending pedestrian fatalities to new highs. Can new funding reverse the tide?

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 6, 2023

LA hotels won’t be required to house homeless people as city rethinks ballot measure

The Los Angeles City Council proposed a revised version after striking a deal with the union of hospitality workers sponsoring the measure.

By Noelle Mateer • Nov. 3, 2023

Advocates hope federal funding will help stem the tide of pedestrian deaths

Complete Streets, Vision Zero and the safe system approach all aim to improve pedestrian safety. The federal government is finally putting big dollars behind the effort, too.

By Dan Zukowski , Julia Himmel , Shaun Lucas • Nov. 3, 2023

EPA kicks off effort to help communities use climate, environmental justice funds

The agency will host a six-day “national virtual open house" starting on Nov. 6, which will include panels about how communities can use “historic” federal funds to address pollution and climate change challenges. 

By Ysabelle Kempe • Nov. 2, 2023

Can Sun Belt cities go from danger zones to pedestrian-friendly?

Tucson, Jacksonville, Los Angeles and other fast-growing, car-centric cities are focusing on street design and other strategies to slow drivers.

By Dan Zukowski , Julia Himmel , Shaun Lucas • Nov. 2, 2023

US drivers kill 20 pedestrians a day. Here’s what cities are doing about it.

Targeted interventions aim to reduce the higher pedestrian death rates in communities of color and low-income communities and make cities more walkable for all.

By Dan Zukowski , Julia Himmel , Shaun Lucas • Nov. 1, 2023