A retiree's xeriscaped water-conserving front yard earns "Certified Florida Yard" recognition. And the wrath of his homeowners' association that wants him to grow more grass.
"At the library, he saw fliers and brochures from the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service and the Southwest Florida Water Management District preaching the merits of xeriscaping, which is landscaping using plants, shrubs, trees and other vegetation that require far less water than most domestic grasses...He was told his lawn violated the deed restricted community's laws...The association, initially, asked him to submit plans that he used for his lawn. They rejected them once Koppel sent them in. They told him he needed more grass."
Thanks to Jesse Brashear
FULL STORY: Where Saving Water Bends the Rules

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?

Portland Raises Parking Fees to Pay for Street Maintenance
The city is struggling to bridge a massive budget gap at the Bureau of Transportation, which largely depleted its reserves during the Civd-19 pandemic.

Spokane Mayor Introduces Housing Reforms Package
Mayor Lisa Brown’s proposals include deferring or waiving some development fees to encourage more affordable housing development.

Houston Mayor Kills Another Bike Lane
The mayor rejected a proposed bike lane in the Montrose district in keeping with his pledge to maintain car lanes.
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont