Enrique Zaldivar, Director of the Bureau of Sanitation, explains the city's efforts to maintain public health and promote water conservation. As urban areas guard natural resources and urban environments, L.A. presents some successful first steps.
Enrique Zaldivar, Director of the Los Angeles City Bureau of Sanitation, had a conversation this month with The Planning Report on the status of the Bureau's efforts to improve the quality of life and water across the City of Los Angeles. Leading a staff of 2800, Zaldivar's Bureau has managed to significantly reduce the number of spills occuring each year in L.A. and is taking bold steps in updating the hidden infrastructure for the 21st century.
A sanitation department plays one of the most important roles in maintaining a functioning and healthy city. As Americans deal with less reliable water sources, the L.A. Bureau of Sanitation demonstrates where efficiencies can be found and where the potential for reuse lies. Sanitation's part in cleaning up Los Angeles' notorious Skid Row also demonstrates the immediate and dramatic impact local government may have on the urban environment.
Thanks to Kevin Madden
FULL STORY: Enrique Zaldivar Chronicles City of Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation’s Success

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

San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan
The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

Seattle Builds Subway-Sized Tunnel — for Stormwater
The $700 million ‘stormwater subway’ is designed to handle overflows during storms, which contain toxic runoff from roadways and vehicles.

Feds Clear Homeless Encampment in Oregon Forest
The action displaced over 100 people living on national forest land near Bend, Oregon.

Is This Urbanism?
Chuck Wolfe ponders a recommended subscription list of Substack urbanists and wonders — as have others — about the utility of the "urbanist" moniker.
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 Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
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