An article details the nascent successes of an innovative program by Washington, D.C. to fund green infrastructure improvements to its stormwater and wastewater systems.
Julian Spector details the ongoing work in Washington, D.C. to overhaul the city's stormwater and wastewater systems with green infrastructure, such as "rain gardens, green roofs, permeable surfaces, and leafy drainage ditches known as bioswales that filter and store extra rainwater…"
Critical to the effort, and the focus of Spector's coverage, is the funding mechanism created by the District Department of Energy and Environment, namely a retention credit systemthat establishes a market for stormwater retention. The article details the challenges in establishing a market for stormwater retention and some of the solutions both government agencies and the private sector have found for those challenges since 2014, when trading started. Especially important in scaling up the program has been a $1.7 million investment by Prudential that will allow District Stormwater to "install green infrastructure in places deemed most ecologically beneficial, and then sell the credits." Spector adds, "If it succeeds in turning a profit, Prudential will recoup its investment, plus interest, and the approach could be considered for other cities…"
FULL STORY: Turning Stormwater Runoff Into Everyone's Business
South Los Angeles Park Offers Hidden Benefits
Not only does the redevelopment of a large section of Earvin Magic Johnson Park in Willowbrook offer much needed green space and new amenities, it also helps to conserve water and improve water quality.
New Bus-Only Lanes Arrive in D.C.
The new bus lanes will operate at morning and afternoon rush hours starting today.
Vision Zero Proposal Includes Citizen Parking Enforcement
One perhaps overlooked detail of an ambitious Vision Zero bill proposed last week for Washington, D.C.: a provision that would allow ordinary citizens to issue parking tickets.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Vehicle-related Deaths Drop 29% in Richmond, VA
The seventh year of the city's Vision Zero strategy also cut the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes by half.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
Santa Monica May Raise Parking Permit Fees
The city says the changes would help better manage curb space and support its sustainability goals.
Portland Housing Bond Created Nearly 5,000 Units, But Affordability Remains Out of Reach
Despite better-than-expected results from multiple local housing bonds, housing costs and homelessness remain top of mind for many Oregonians.
Florida Law Could Eliminate Dedicated Bus Lanes
A new law calls for a minimum ridership of 6,000 passengers in the first year for new bus rapid transit lines. To date, no bus lines in the Tampa Bay region come close.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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