In major cities across the Southwest, xeriscape landscaping is replacing the traditional lawn.
"[Xeriscape is] the use of plants and ground covers specifically chosen for the semi-arid climate of the southwestern United States...The xeriscape revolution taking hold across this drought-stricken region promises to bring a startling new look to cities such as Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake City and Los Angeles, where residential neighborhoods have traditionally been marked by block after curving block of pampered lawns of Kentucky bluegrass or similar species imported from the rainy East Coast."
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
FULL STORY: In Southwest, Tearing Out the Lawn

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.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
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