Green infrastructure can help prevent flooding and replenish groundwater supplies, preventing subsidence that makes land sink.
According to an article by Matt Simon in Wired, U.S. cities could be capturing tens of billions of gallons of rainwater with more ‘spongy’ infrastructure.
A new report from the Pacific Institute indicates that urban areas generate almost 60 million acre-feet of stormwater runoff per year — much of which is diverted away from cities and into the ocean or other bodies of water. Reversing this approach to capture rainwater could help replenish groundwater resources and secure local water supplies.
Simon points to a recent report that Los Angeles captured 8.6 billion gallons of water in recent storms through a combination of green infrastructure methods. On the East Coast, cities are working to mitigate flooding through rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement. “More cities are also adopting stormwater fees, charging landowners based on the amount of impervious surfaces on a property, thus encouraging them to open up more ground.”
FULL STORY: US Cities Could Be Capturing Billions of Gallons of Rain a Day
Where 2024 Presidential Candidates Stand on 12 Issues Important to Urban Planners
Whether you’re yet undecided or have already cast your early vote, here is a roundup of the key positions of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on important urban planning policies.
Amtrak Expanding Service in California’s Central Valley
Amtrak is planning a major expansion to the passenger rail lines connecting the Central Valley and the Bay Area.
Progressive Planning in Ideologically Conservative Communities
Planners must work in diverse political environments including conservative jurisdictions that are skeptical of new issues and perspectives. Here are ways to reconcile conflicting goals.
Denver Voters Approve Downtown Revitalization Bonds
The city wants to bring new projects and residents to the downtown core, where 13 million feet of vacant office and retail space await new tenants.
Seattle Has No Plans to Ditch Parking Requirements
An update to the city’s comprehensive plan will reduce, but not fully eliminate, parking mandates for housing developments.
Future of Public Lands Looks Litigious Under Trump
Experts say monuments and “unappropriated” federal lands will likely be the target for expanded drilling, mining, and other development under a new Trump administration.
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.
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City of Meridian
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HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
Detroit Regional Partnership
San Joaquin LAFCo
City of South Portland