American Rivers has created a toolkit for implementing stormwater utilityies
In some parts of the country, planners spend most of their time thinking about stormwater—and effective, resilient stormwater systems are one of the primary benefits of the planning profession.
With the critical need of stormwater infrastructure in mind, Katie Rousseau writes a post explaining some of the resources available on the American Rivers website designed to assist public utility managers in advocating for stormwater utilities.
Rousseau starts with a series of questions: "So, what does Joe Public know about stormwater? What should they know? Are communities communicating effectively to the public about stormwater and the fact that they need to collect fees?"
The many answers, varying in complexity, are the reason why American Rivers partnered with Bluestem Communications to develop the Stormwater Utility Communications Toolkit, with assistance for public relations, media relations, social media, and community engagement.
FULL STORY: When a Band-Aid Is Not Enough
Study: Outdated Stormwater Infrastructure Exacerbates Flooding
Infrastructure built to mitigate flooding a century ago no longer serves current needs.
Permeable Pavements Required for Parking, Sidewalks in New Orleans
New Orleans is looking for new ways to mitigate the effects of stormwater that regularly floods the city.
Vancouver, Rain City
Vancouver has committed to green stormwater infrastructure by approving a Rain City Strategy that establishes an Integrated Stormwater Management Plan for each watershed in the city.
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)