International local government news 17.09.24

Here are the latest newsworthy and interesting stories from the local government sector that caught our attention. In this round-up of what’s happening right now in the world of local government, you’ll find best practices, inspiration, and more from across the sector.

USA: “Tree trial” sees success in boosting health
Ten years go, Louisville, Kentucky had the unwanted distinction of being home to the fastest-growing urban island in the US, thanks to its sparse tree cover and no ordinances on protective trees on private property. Since then, the city has moved to adopt green solutions to extreme heat and high pollution, including an urban forest master plan and a scheme to plant thousands of trees in underserved neighbourhoods. Now, a recent urban tree study from the University of Louisville has found that residents of the newly greened neighbourhoods had seen their health on average improve. These residents reportedly had 13% to 20% lower levels of a blood marker of general inflammation when compared to people living in neighbourhoods without new greenery.
Bloomberg

USA: Congestion reaches record levels
Following a brief reprieve from traffic during the pandemic, American vehicle miles travelled have now surpassed pre-Covid levels in almost every metro area across the country. According to a new report published last Thursday, both traffic and congestion levels have exceeded pre-pandemic levels, with total miles travelled by all vehicles jumping 12% between May 2019 and May 2024 to reach record heights. Only 10 out of the 100 most populous metro areas have kept driving below 2019 levels.
Bloomberg

FINLAND: Town replaces school laptops with books
In a bid to adopt a more ‘old-school’ approach to education, the City of Riihimäki, home to less than 30,000 people, has moved to replace some of its digital devices in schools with textbooks. The council believes that the age group affected (middle school students) already spent too much time on digital tools like phones and laptops. Council director of education Jari Lausvaara said “It is important to note that the digitalization of schools is not an uncontrollable avalanche, but we ourselves have the keys to control it. We can modify the teaching in the light of research information in such a way that it supports the student’s learning and health in the best way”.
The Mayor

NETHERLANDS: The Hague becomes first city globally to ban oil and air travel ads
The City of The Hague last week passed legislation to ban advertising promoting fossil fuel products and carbon-intensive services, like air travel or cruise ships. Launched as part of the city’s bid to reach climate neutrality by 2030, and local authorities hope it could inspire other cities and governments to follow suit across the globe. United Nations Chief Antonio Guterres recently called for governments to abolish such ads in a vein similar to actions taken against tobacco in the 1960s onwards.
Bloomberg

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