The Phoenix metropolitan area is growing again, but the water supply isn't. Many development plans derailed by the Great Recession won't find it easy to start where they left off.
"With 8,500 homes, space for a 35-acre resort, golf and winding trails, Lake Pleasant 5000 was billed as a place where the desert would be at your doorstep, and hailed as what would be one of the largest master-planned communities in Arizona," reports Jen Fifield.
The whole plan depended on the developer, Harvard Investments, securing the drinking water supply to support the development, but it couldn't overcome the effects of the Great Recession, and has been on hold for over a decade.
"Now, as development picks up, and with water across the Valley in short supply, a West Valley city is making a grab for the water that Lake Pleasant 5000 thought it secured long ago," according to Fifield. The problem: the city of Surprise is asking Maricopa County Superior Court to condemn Circle City, the water company that promise the necessary water to Lake Pleasant 5000.
The ensuing controversy is being litigated by the parties involved, and the water supply for this fast-growing corner of the northwest Valley near Phoenix.
FULL STORY: A developer had plans to build a luxury community by Lake Pleasant. Now, its water supply is in limbo
Why California Should Not, Cannot Solve Its Housing Crisis By Building New Cities
A recent essay advocates for the development of a new city in California to alleviate the state's housing crisis. The argument needs a few tweaks.
380-Acre Development Planned in Southwest Boise
One of the fastest-growing cities in the country could be making space for even more growth.
150 Acres of Undeveloped Land to Become 2,350 Homes Outside Denver
The church that owns a unique parcel of agricultural land in the middle of the Denver metropolitan area is prepared to sell to a developer that plans to build a mixed-use, master planned community.
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
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie