Impact fees are one-time charges imposed on new development as a condition of approval to offset the development’s impact on local infrastructure, services, and the environment. A revenue-raising tool, they are broadly based on the idea that new development should be responsible for paying for a share of the new or additional public infrastructure and […]
Impact Fees: A New Direction for NYC? Read More »
On April 22, the Guarini Center submitted brief comments to the New York City Council regarding Local Law 97 to assist the City Council in reviewing the City’s efforts to implement the law. In the comments, the staff provides several observations regarding the design of an alternative compliance mechanism to benefit affordable housing. Read the
Testimony: LL97 Oversight Hearing Read More »
Electrification of building heating systems is expected to play a central role in New York City and New York State’s long-term efforts to decarbonize its building stock. From a climate perspective, this makes sense; buildings will not be able to dramatically reduce their carbon footprints without moving away from onsite combustion of fossil fuels for
Equitable Electrification for New York City Read More »
When U.S. cities estimate the greenhouse gas emissions for which they are responsible, cities tend to focus on the emissions that come from activities within their borders and from generating electricity to meet local needs. This approach undercounts cities’ contributions to climate change because it leaves out the GHG emissions that come from the production of
On February 3, the Guarini Center submitted comments to the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority regarding the New York State Climate Action Council Draft Scoping Plan. In the comments, the staff applauds the State’s ambitious commitments to decarbonizing its buildings and recommends measures to help ensure that the State’s goals are met.
Comment: Climate Action Council Draft Scoping Plan Read More »
NYU just released the highly anticipated carbon trading study required by New York City’s Local Law 97. The study is the first comprehensive modelling assessment of the costs and benefits of this groundbreaking law, and of the feasibility of a potential carbon trading program for buildings. Join Urban Green and the NYU study team for
Unpacking the LL97 Carbon Trading Study Read More »
As public awareness grows about the health, environmental and animal welfare benefits of reducing meat consumption, a number of cities around the United States have started to take action to encourage a shift towards plant-forward diets. With a new administration poised to take office in New York City, the time is ripe to take stock
Towards Plant-Forward Diets: A Toolkit for Local Leadership Read More »
By invitation only. Reducing meat consumption can help to improve human health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as other forms of environmental damage, and limit the suffering of animals raised as livestock. Cities have an opportunity to help facilitate a societal transition towards a plant-forward food system, however, there are uncertainties about the limits
Though often overlooked, New York City’s land use policies fundamentally impact the City’s economy, environmental footprint, and the quality of life for its 8 million plus inhabitants. The City Council has recently introduced a proposal to make sweeping changes to the City’s land use planning processes, including moving towards a more centralized approach. Advocates have
Land Use Planning in the Next Mayoral Administration: A Look at Proposed Reforms Read More »
The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the value of urban agriculture, especially that produced in community gardens, as many New Yorkers faced increased food insecurity and nearly all sought refuge in outdoor spaces. Yet, despite the great value of urban agriculture, New York City lacks a comprehensive plan to promote it and many community gardens are
Urban Agriculture in New York City: Assessing Options for Expansion Read More »
