Global climate change, polluted waters, and lack of open space are just a few of the issues facing our communities today. Community planners — tasked with seeing the big picture and thinking about the long term — are integral to addressing both economic competitiveness and environmental issues in our cities, towns, and neighborhoods. Through education, plan making, tax policies, capital investments, development review, and other planning actions, planners have opportunities to help create green communities by reducing the impact of development on the natural environment and improving environmental quality for residents.
Working with a global network of research fellows and partner institutions, our staff undertakes research related to green community planning, such as climate change, energy, land conservation, urban forestry, sustainable economic development, green infrastructure, and watershed protection. Our approach is multidisciplinary and collaborative, involving experts from several fields.