A tremendous open space and recreation addition could be on the horizon for residents of Washington, D.C., but there's still work to do in cleaning the Potomac and Anacostia rivers.

"The reasons why you can’t safely or legally swim in the District’s rivers could be resolved within the next several years — a concrete milestone for clean rivers which until recently seemed difficult to envision," reports Mitch Wander.
Wander provides more details of the improving water quality of the Potomac River and the Anacostia River:
The Potomac Conservancy graded the Potomac a “B” in 2018, rising from a D- in 2007. The Anacostia Watershed Society rated the Anacostia a D- in 2018, the river’s first passing grade, with the ability to swim in the Anacostia by 2025 a stated goal. Both organizations, Rock Creek Conservancy, and their volunteers conduct extensive hands-on activities to improve our rivers.
According to Wander, the improved condition of the rivers are visible everywhere from nesting bald eagles to reduced trash and nitrogen to healthier fish. The article goes into detail about the benchmarks that will be necessary to achieve to clean the rivers enough for recreational swimming.
Planetizen also picked up news of D.C. Water's Clean River project, and the progress it's made in cleaning the Anacostia River, in July.
FULL STORY: DC’s rivers could be swimmable in the next several years

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie