The grant funds grass replacement rebates for commercial and residential properties and water-saving devices for fire stations.
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.
FULL STORY: California Water Agency Receives $38M for Turf Replacement
Fossil Fuel-Based Artificial Turf Raises Concerns
Cities and states are rolling back support for artificial turf, which can leach chemicals and microplastics into groundwater.
The Rise of Artificial Turf
Once scratchy and unrealistic, artificial grass has come a long way. Now, it’s quickly becoming a popular lawn replacement as droughts and climate change make traditional lawns harder to maintain.
Southwest Utah Lawn ‘Buyback’ Program Pays Off
Washington County has dramatically reduced per-capita water use, but the region’s explosive growth means increased demand for water.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service