The Pacific Northwest has a reputation for gloomy, rainy days. One, that's not true for the whole region, and two, it isn't stopping utilities from building utility-scale solar power.

"The Tri-Cities [Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco] could soon be home to the largest utility-scale solar power project in Washington," reports Courtney Flatt. A French company called Neoen is planning to develop the 20-megawatt project on 100 acres of land that used to be part of the Hanford nuclear reservation. The region is considered a desert, and local economic development efforts, led by the Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC) is working to position the Tri-Cities as a hub for energy companies in the Pacific Northwest.
Energy Northwest, which operates the Northwest’s only nuclear power plant, has a 38.7-kilowatt demonstration solar project 10 miles north of Richland. Last year, Energy Northwest also announced its plans to develop a 4-megawatt solar power generating and battery storage system.
Another project is in the works just to the south in Boardman, Oregon, as well.
FULL STORY: Washington's Largest Solar Project Coming To Tri-Cities

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

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont