Florida's plans to purchase nearly 300 square miles of land for Everglades restoration may face some significant challenges, according to skeptics.
"Even as most environmentalists here continue to cheer about the acquisition, skeptics have identified complications that they fear will keep the Everglades from being saved. The state, say some hydrologists, federal officials and environmentalists, has bet a huge sum on oft-fertilized farmland that could take at least a decade and billions of dollars to rehabilitate."
"In short, a rescue plan with more land faces more of the same limitations that have undermined Everglades restoration efforts since the '80s: too much human impact and too little money."
"The most immediate concerns center on geography, pollution and cost."
"State officials have described the property, now owned by United States Sugar, as a "missing link" between Lake Okeechobee and Everglades National Park, but maps of the area make it look more like the video game Tetris. To create a continuous water flow south, state officials have said they would swap land with Florida Crystals, a major sugar producer in the area."
FULL STORY: Possible Flaws in State Plan to Rescue the Everglades

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?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie