Chicago is trying to position itself as one of the greenest cities in America, but longheld plans to upgrade the city's overburdened stormwater system highlight how far it has to go.
The city's green roofs and green alleys have garnered attention, but still make up only a small portion of the city's large footprint.
"When it rains like cats and dogs in Chicago, the combined sewers overflow and release stormwater and untreated waste into the Chicago River. As the city's own Web site acknowledges, this hurts the river's health and habitat. The excess stormwater can even flood homeowners' basements. The problem persists despite the presence of the so-called "Deep Tunnel," a massive network of tunnels meant to divert the runoff and move it to surface reservoirs until water reclamation plants can sanitize it. Not only is this stormwater management system unable to handle big rainfalls, it's enormously expensive."
FULL STORY: Eco-Toupees and Plastic Alleys
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Chicago to Update Stormwater Plan
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.
German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
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