How cities can handle election waste

Election waste, including mailers, stickers, and yard signs, poses significant environmental challenges globally. Delaware County in Pennsylvania and other local governments in the U.S. are implementing recycling and reuse strategies to manage this waste. Initiatives include recycling drives, partnerships with recycling companies, and creative reuse of materials. Organizations like the Environmental Paper Network North America advocate for reducing election waste, while Greenpeace and local governments in Mexico and Bangladesh explore innovative reuse solutions. The article highlights the importance of sustainable practices in election campaigns and the role of public policy in minimizing environmental impact.

Ideas to handle the global issue of election waste

Election waste, including mailers, stickers, and yard signs, poses significant environmental challenges globally. Delaware County in Pennsylvania and other regions are implementing recycling and reuse strategies to manage this waste. Initiatives include recycling drives, partnerships with recycling companies, and creative reuse of materials. Organizations like the Environmental Paper Network North America and Greenpeace advocate for reducing election waste, while local governments encourage candidates to clean up their own election trash. The article highlights the importance of sustainable practices in election campaigns and the potential for creative reuse of materials.

Could Climate Change Boost ‘Haven’ Cities?

Cities like Duluth, Buffalo, and Ocala are being considered as potential 'climate havens' due to their perceived safety from extreme weather events. This concept is gaining traction as cities market themselves to attract new residents and businesses. However, the idea of climate havens is debated, with some experts cautioning that no place is entirely safe from climate change impacts. Cities are using this narrative to drive economic growth and development, but challenges such as housing shortages and climate gentrification are emerging. The article highlights the complexities of climate-driven migration and the need for strategic planning to accommodate potential population growth.

Atlanta’s Night Mayor Will Govern More Than Parties

Atlanta is considering the appointment of a night mayor to oversee activities and address issues that occur overnight, focusing not only on nightlife and entertainment but also on the needs of night-shift workers and other nocturnal activities. The concept, which originated in Amsterdam in 2012, has been adopted by various cities worldwide. Atlanta City Councilmember Amir Farokhi proposed the idea, and a feasibility study was approved in October. The night mayor's responsibilities would include ensuring safe transportation and access to public bathrooms at night. Experts like Andreina Seijas emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to night-time governance that includes vulnerable and working populations. Other cities like London, Washington, D.C., and New York City have implemented programs addressing the needs of the night-time community. Atlanta is expected to hire a night mayor in 2022.

Atlanta Reckons with the Convict Labor that Built the City

Atlanta is confronting its past reliance on convict labor, particularly the leasing of Black individuals, including children, for unpaid labor in inhumane conditions. The Chattahoochee Brick Company, which profited from this practice, produced bricks that were fundamental to the city's construction. Efforts are underway to memorialize the site and acknowledge the contributions of these exploited workers. Environmental activist Donna Stephens and others have successfully halted industrial development on the site, and the city plans to transform it into a park and memorial. The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is also involved in memorialization efforts. The narrative connects to broader discussions on Confederate monuments, police brutality, and systemic racism, and highlights the ongoing use of prison labor in the United States.

Worried about gas ban litigation? After court tosses Berkeley rule, legal experts look at cities’ options

Evanston, Illinois, is considering phasing out natural gas in new buildings, influenced by a recent federal court decision overturning Berkeley, California's gas ban. Legal experts suggest cities prepare for litigation from the natural gas industry but highlight lawful methods to phase out gas, such as using police powers, building codes, air emissions standards, zoning regulations, and franchise agreements. The decision may impact smaller communities' electrification efforts due to potential legal costs, but experts reassure that viable legal pathways exist.

City on-road emissions targets proposed by Biden administration

The Biden administration, through the U.S. Department of Transportation, has proposed a rule requiring states and metropolitan planning organizations to set and report on targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from National Highway System roads. This initiative aligns with the administration's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The bipartisan infrastructure law supports this effort with $6.4 billion in funding. The proposal follows a Supreme Court decision limiting the EPA's regulatory power, and has received mixed reactions, including criticism from U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito.

3 ways Washington cities are reimagining downtowns

Washington's largest cities, Spokane and Seattle, are reimagining their downtown areas to adapt to new work patterns and address affordable housing needs. Spokane is incentivizing developers to build affordable housing on vacant land and repurposing office buildings for residential use. Seattle is focusing on arts and culture, life sciences, and educational facilities to revitalize its downtown. Both cities are also exploring the future of retail, with Seattle's Seattle Restored program turning pop-up shops into longer-term leases. Public-private partnerships and state incentives are seen as crucial for these transformations.

Las Vegas unveils digital twin at CES as part of sustainability push

Las Vegas has introduced a digital twin of a section of its downtown to model scenarios for energy use, emissions, traffic, and emergency management. This initiative, in collaboration with Cityzenith and Terbine, aims to enhance sustainability and urban planning. The project, showcased at CES, will help visualize data for various stakeholders and is part of Cityzenith's broader 'Clean Cities - Clean Future' initiative. The digital twin is in its early stages, focusing on pilot projects to validate the technology's viability.

Billionaire-planned smart cities in the US: What’s the latest?

Several billionaires, including Elon Musk and Bill Gates, have announced plans to build smart cities in the U.S., but most projects have seen little progress and face significant challenges. Musk's planned city in Bastrop, Texas, has encountered multiple government violations and local opposition. Other proposed cities, such as Telosa and California Forever, are still in early stages with concerns about transparency and resources. Experts question the feasibility and ethical implications of these billionaire-led initiatives, suggesting that support for public and cooperative housing might be more beneficial.