Natural drainage techniques reduced engineering costs in one South Carolina case study by 31 percent over conventional methods. New Urbanists are searching for ways to make this the norm.
The study, led by Tom Low of Duany, Plater-Zyberk & Company's Charlotte, South Carolina office, looked at the financial effect of introducing a natural drainage system in the first phase of a 42-acre traditional neighborhood development, Griffin Park in Greenville County. The resultant 31 percent savings didn't surprise Low, who said "because much of what's been written about low-impact development has been based on large-lot conventional suburban subdivisions," that "there's a pressing need for information on how to blend natural drainage and New Urbanism."
Thanks to Gayle Ross
FULL STORY: Natural drainage systems can cut NU’' development costs

Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.

San Francisco Muni Raises Fares a Second Time
A 10–cent fare hike for adults is part of the agency’s plan to chip away at a growing budget deficit.

Electric Grid Capacity Could Hamstring EV Growth
Industry leaders say the U.S. electric grid is unprepared for the increased demand for power created by electric cars, data centers, and electric homes.

Texas Bill Supports Adaptive Reuse in Commercial Areas
Senate Bill 840, which was preliminarily approved by the state House, would allow residential construction in areas previously zoned for offices and commercial uses.
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.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions