California Agency Awards $38 Million for Turf Replacement

The grant funds grass replacement rebates for commercial and residential properties and water-saving devices for fire stations.

1 minute read

November 16, 2023, 11:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Drought tolerant desert plants including large agaves in the front yard of a Spanish-style Southern California home with red tile roof.

Simone / Adobe Stock

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California received $38 million in federal funding targeted at the agency’s turf replacement program, reports Georgia Valdes in Governing.

The Urban Community Drought Relief program provides turf replacement rebates that range from $2 to $3 per square foot of grass replaced with drought-resistant landscaping. “According to the Metropolitan Water District, this program has resulted in the removal of 218 million square feet of grass to save enough water to serve 68,000 households annually.”

The new funding will also provide rebates to 5,000 residents and equip local fire departments with devices that recirculate water during training exercises.

Valdes notes that synthetic turf, which has been touted as an effective alternative to live grass, can pose health risks due to carcinogenic chemicals. As far back as 2015, Sacramento officials expressed concern about the materials used to manufacture artificial turf.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023 in Governing

Aerial view of Eugene, Oregon at dusk with mountains in background.

Eugene Ends Parking Minimums

In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.

December 3, 2023 - NBC 16

Green Paris Texas city limit sign with population.

How Paris, Texas Became a ‘Unicorn’ for Rural Transit

A robust coalition of advocates in the town of 25,000 brought together the funding and resources to launch a popular bus service that some residents see as a mobility lifeline—and a social club.

November 30, 2023 - Texas Monthly

SMall backyard cottage ADU in San Diego, California.

San Diegans at Odds Over ‘Granny Towers’

A provision in the city’s ADU ordinance allows developers to build an essentially unlimited number of units on single-family lots.

November 29, 2023 - CALmatters

Aerial view of mobile home park with mature trees in Rochester, New York.

New York Strengthens Protections for Mobile Home Park Residents

Modular home owners will get the first right of refusal when park owners want to sell residential parks.

37 minutes ago - Spectrum News

Aerial view of Palo Alto, California at sunrise.

Palo Alto Expands Church ‘Safe Parking’ Program

The city is considering adding commercial lots to the program, which provides safe parking and amenities for people living in cars.

December 6 - ABC 7 News

View of green oil wells in a residential neighborhood in California.

Report: California’s Orphan Wells Still Pose Health Risks

Tens of thousands of idle oil wells litter the state. Taxpayers are often on the hook for cleanup.

December 6 - LAist

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

"Rethinking Commuter Rail" podcast & Intercity Bus E-News

Chaddick Institute at DePaul University

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.