Category: Policy

Why Universities Should Strive to Build More Student Housing

Why Universities Should Strive to Build More Student Housing

Why Universities Should Strive to Build More Student Housing

02/14/22

“Why should universities strive to build more student housing?”

Universities should act as the beacon of learning and offer the next generation of students a chance to better the world. However, as populations grow, so will demand for higher education. This will cause more people to want to live near their chosen schools, which puts pressure to house these people. If universities cannot provide adequate supply, then it fails the people it is supposed to serve. Instead, universities should look to expand housing options for enrollees and make things better. This is Why Universities Should Strive to Build More Student Housing.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction

02/13/22

“How can utilities be compensated for costs incurred while building new facilities?”

Utilities spend money to create new facilities all the time. However, these processes can be very expensive and will not produce a return until the asset is completed. So what can we do to ensure that utilities earn enough return to keep operations going? Well, what if we were to compensate a utility for the amount of loans and equity they use to create the project and multiply it by the amount spent during construction monthly? Well, this concept is called Allowance for Funds Used During Construction and is applied to utilities to make sure that they are able to complete projects on time.

Why Giving Wealthy Landowners Too Much Power Over Infrastructure Decisions Can Destroy Transit Accessibility

Why Giving Wealthy Landowners Too Much Power Over Infrastructure Decisions Can Destroy Transit Accessibility

Why Giving Wealthy Landowners Too Much Power Over Infrastructure Decisions Can Destroy Transit Accessibility

02/12/22

“Why would giving wealthy land-owners too much power over infrastructure decisions destroy transit accessibility?”

In many countries such as the United States and Canada, landowners (as long as they’re white) can make public comments over infrastructure proposals that run near or through their properties. Oftentimes, these people do not have the public’s interest at heart and can cause projects to be stopped for nefarious reasons. This leads to delays, cost overruns, and functionality downgrades in transit projects. This is Why Giving Wealthy Landowners Too Much Power Over Infrastructure Decisions Can Destroy Transit Accessibility.

Why NFTS Are Bad for the Environment

Why NFTS Are Bad for the Environment

Why NFTS Are Bad for the Environment

02/09/22

“Why are NFTs bad for the environment?”

NFTs are (as of writing) one of the latest crazes in the world. However, one significant downside is that they are bought and sold using cryptocurrency, which consumes gargantuan amounts of energy and greenhouse gasses. Once you know this it’s pretty simple to see Why NFTS Are Bad for the Environment.

Using Road Bridge Tolls to Fund Cross-Bridge Public Transportation

Using Road Bridge Tolls to Fund Cross-Bridge Public Transportation

Using Road Bridge Tolls to Fund Cross-Bridge Public Transportation

02/08/22

“How could we use road bridge tolls to fund and incentivize cross-bridge public transportation?”

People often have difficulty choosing whether to use a car or public transportation to cross a bridge. However, if we leverage a bridge toll to make it more expensive to use your car and have it subsidize public transportation, then it would make the latter more appealing. This is how Using Road Bridge Tolls to Fund Cross-Bridge Public Transportation can create positive change

Why Decreasing Gas Usage Advances Indigenous Rights

Why Decreasing Gas Usage Advances Indigenous Rights

Why Decreasing Gas Usage Advances Indigenous Rights

02/07/22

“Why can decreasing natural gas usage advance Indigenous rights?”

Natural gas pipelines are vulnerable to leaks and stressful environmental impacts. Energy companies disproportionately place these networks on Indigenous territory because they are aware that they will face legal ramifications as a result of settler-colonial power structures. However, if people decrease their gas usage, there will be less demand for these pipelines, and Indigenous land will be pressured much less. This is Why Decreasing Gas Usage Advances Indigenous Rights.

Why Converting Parking Space Into Multifamily Housing Is a Great Way for Cities to Welcome Climate Refugees

Why Converting Parking Space Into Multifamily Housing Is a Great Way for Cities to Welcome Climate Refugees

Why Converting Parking Space Into Multifamily Housing Is a Great Way for Cities to Welcome Climate Refugees

02/06/22

“Why is converting parking space into multifamily housing a great way for cities to welcome climate refugees?”

Parking spaces can take up large portions of cities. And these areas are often made of impervious material that causes water to build up during flooding events. And worse, these spaces are not available when natural disasters occur. But one thing we can do is replace their footprint with multi-family housing. Not only does this take away a lot of climate vulnerabilities, but it also creates more room for newcomers to move in. This is Why Converting Parking Space Into Multifamily Housing Is a Great Way for Cities to Welcome Climate Refugees.