The Guardian sets out on a global trek to find the most water-stresses cities in the world.
"So is the world’s most water-stressed city one where all these contributing factors – natural aridity and low rainfall, poor management, increasing population and exploitation of the aquifer – converge?" asks an article by Katherine Purvis. "Sana’a, the capital of Yemen, might just be that city," but there are plenty of examples of each of those factors are pushing residents to the water supply limits.
Among cities like Aswan, Egypt and São Paulo, Brazil, Purvis includes Los Angeles and much of the state of California in her survey of water stressed regions. The article devotes much of its time to cautionary tales—places where water supply is mismanaged or worse—in an effort to locate solutions for the world's water stress. Meanwhile, according to the article, more than "2.5 billion people don’t have access to basic levels of fresh water for at least one month each year…"
Read the full story: Where are the world’s most water-stressed cities?
Can Price Help Conserve Water in Arizona?
A growing population and drought across the West is leading some experts to call for changes in the way governments and utilities charge for water. The difference between the way Tucson and Phoenix, for instance charge for water, is striking.
Phoenix and Tucson create emergency water reserve, anticipating Colorado River cuts
The Secure Water Arizona Program will allow participating cities to use a reserve of water or make agreements to buy it from other jurisdictions.
California is Out of Drought for First Time in 25 Years
The state’s reservoirs are reaching capacity for the first time in decades, but more rain could prompt flooding in downstream communities.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
Chicago voters approve permanent festival grounds, penalty for vacant property owners
Currently, major summer and fall festivals take over public parks for weeks at a time, drawing criticism from nearby residents
NYC votes to cut outdoor dining red tape, speed up permitting
New York City also voted to allow the Department of Transportation to begin work on urgent projects before notifying elected officials.
California appears to reject Prop. 45
The proposition would have expanded the projects that qualify for a streamlined environmental review, effectively paring down the California Environmental Quality Act.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority