Category: News from NA

Urban resilience starts with water. As extreme weather and urban expansion increase flood risks, cities worldwide are turning to Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to build smarter, more adaptive urban landscapes. NbS solutions  integrate ecosystems into urban planning to manage water sustainably. They reduce surface runoff, enhance groundwater recharge, improve water quality, and strengthen community resilience all while providing co-benefits like biodiversity, green space,...

IFood waste remains one of the most pressing sustainability challenges of our time — with over 1 billion tonnes of food lost or wasted annually, resulting in a global loss of USD 1 trillion and massive environmental consequences, including unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions, water and land use, and growing food insecurity. This new Best Practice highlights how local governments are uniquely positioned to drive impactful...

In an era of rapid digital transformation, cities are stepping into the spotlight as active shapers of innovation, transparency, and citizen engagement. One of the most compelling examples of this shift is Chicago’s Open Data Portal, a pioneering platform that is redefining how local governments leverage data to deliver smarter, more inclusive, and more responsive urban planning. Launched in 2012, Chicago’s...

Towards the EU’s zero ambition for Road Safety As cities become denser and mobility becomes more diverse, reducing conflict between heavy vehicles and VRUs is vital. EU–North America cooperation, including through the IURC-NA programme, is helping cities learn from one another and pilot new solutions. Urban streets are growing busier and more dangerous. Heavy vehicles, essential for commerce, also pose...

We are pleased to present highlights from the second IURC-NA Thematic Networking Event, held in Montreal, Canada, in partnership with the 2025 Canadian Circularity Summit. This dynamic two-day event brought together urban leaders and experts from across North America and Europe to explore innovative solutions in waste management and the circular economy, with a special focus on food waste and construction and demolition waste. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7epk6THkik 🎥 Watch the...

Urban areas across the globe are increasingly vulnerable to the intensifying effects of climate change,particularly the phenomenon of the Urban Heat Islands (UHIs). Caused by factors such as the loss of vegetation, high concentrations of impermeable surfaces, and dense built environments, UHIs can lead to significant temperature differences within the same city. These higher temperatures pose serious risks to public health, strain infrastructure, reduce...

Belval, a redeveloped district in Luxembourg, serves as a compelling example of how cities can reinvent themselves through coordinated urban regeneration. Once one of Europe’s largest steel production hubs, Belval has undergone a remarkable transformation into a thriving, mixed-use urban quarter. Through strong political vision, public-private collaboration, community engagement, and a commitment to sustainability, Belval demonstrates how industrial decline can be turned...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY3VAIyIzZk Watch the insightful webinar on YouTube. Download Presentation 📄 Download the presentation slides This session, hosted by the IURC North America, featured expert speakers from Europe and North America discussing how cities are adapting their building stock to be more sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready. 💡 Key Topics Covered: Prioritizing existing buildings for both people and the planet. Sustainable materials management and circular...

In this Best Practice, we explore how the rise of e-commerce is transforming urban life starting at the curb. As urban deliveries increase and cities aim to create more sustainable, people-centered environments, curbside space faces growing pressure from competing uses such as loading zones, cycling infrastructure, EV charging, outdoor dining and pedestrian access. This transformation aligns with the objectives of the European...