California has approved nearly $700 million in "emergency" drought relief funding, but much of it remains unspent, which begs the question: Are emergency measures an appropriate of effective response to the drought?
"It’s been four months since Governor Jerry Brown signed what he and Democratic lawmakers called 'emergency drought legislation.' It promised nearly $700 million in immediate drought relief. But nearly 90 percent of that money has yet to be spent," reports Ben Adler.
"The Brown administration says $200 million in competitive grants for water projects will be awarded in September – with $250 million more in a second round next spring."
Adler's article also quotes Celeste Cantu, with the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority, who makes two points as an applicant for that grant money. The first: that she’s "grateful the governor and legislature are making the money available as soon as September – normally, she says, 'I think it’s like a year, year-and-a-half.' The second is that "there’s nothing the governor and legislature could have done this year to reduce the water shortage. 'The water challenges that we face in California today – and probably the rest of the 21st century – can never be responded to in an emergency fashion…'"
FULL STORY: Emergency Drought Relief Money Still Unspent
Where the Water Really Goes in California
Golf courses and Los Angeles are the most frequently cited public enemies when droughts hit California, but it isn’t that simple. Recent articles have debunked myths about water use in the Golden State by providing a more accurate portrait of use.
Water Rationing Begins in Parched California Communities (Updated)
As California faces its third dry year in a row, following the driest year in the state's recorded history, communities are facing the prospect of water rationing. However, some of the state's largest cities have been spared for the time being.
Virginia Data Centers Draining State’s Water Supply
Being the world’s largest data center hub is having a severe impact on local water resources.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)