Arizona

Aerial view of Glen Canyon Dam on Colorado River among red rocks

Calls Grow for ‘One-Dam Solution’ on Colorado River

California growers and others in the river’s Lower Basin want the federal government to consider draining Lake Powell to conserve more water downstream.

September 13, 2023 - Los Angeles Times

Suburban Phoenix single-family homes in a cul-de-sac, one with large saguaro cactus in front yard

Phoenix Approves ADUs

The city hopes backyard ‘casitas’ can help alleviate the housing crisis.

September 11, 2023 - The Center Square

Aerial view of Mesa, Arizona

Mesa General Plan Update Aims for Clarity, Accountability

The Arizona city’s once-a-decade update to its General Plan will clarify zoning boundaries left ‘fuzzy’ in its previous iteration.

September 6, 2023 - The Mesa Tribune

Aerial view of Plant Vogtle Unit 3 nuclear unit

Georgia Makes Clean Energy History in U.S.

The first newly constructed nuclear power plant to generate electricity in the U.S. in over 30 years began operation in Waynesboro, Georgia on July 31.

September 6, 2023 - Georgia Power

Aerial view of Tempe, Arizona with mountains in background

‘Tempe Tomorrow’ Plans for Expected Population Growth

Tempe planners are preparing a General Plan update scheduled for voter approval in March 2024.

August 24, 2023 - Daily Independent

View of Havasu Falls with bright turquoise water and a canyon winding through red vertical cliffs in the Grand Canyon

Biden Announces New National Monument on Havasu 'Baaja Land

Almost 1 million acres of land near the Grand Canyon will now be protected from mining and extraction as part of the country’s newest national monument.

August 10, 2023 - Arizona Republic

"Radiation Zone, Keep Out" sign on wood post with red Arizona desert mesa in background

Grand Canyon Area Could Gain New National Monument

The Biden administration has signaled support for a proposed national monument that would protect Native American lands around the Grand Canyon from uranium mining.

August 7, 2023 - The Washington Post

Lightning strikes over Tucson, Arizona at night during monsoon storm

Tucson Braces for Extreme Weather With Climate Action Plan

The desert city faces a growing risk from extreme heat waves and stronger, more unpredictable storms.

August 3, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

Maricopa County, Arizona

Phoenix Could Ease Parking Requirements to Support Transit, Affordable Housing

In addition to lower citywide parking requirements on residential properties, a proposed law in Phoenix would lower minimum parking requirements even further for affordable housing developments near the city’s light rail system.

July 20, 2023 - Arizona Central

Google street view of vacant lot in Phoenix, Arizona with palm trees in foreground

Phoenix Moves to Build Affordable Housing on City-Owned Land

The city has so far issued two requests for proposals from developers to build mixed-income housing on city-owned lots.

July 10, 2023 - Arizona Republic

Chicken Run

Residential Zoning Changes Make Room for Chickens

Yes in my backyard—for chickens.

July 5, 2023 - Mohave Valley Daily News

Aerial view of Tempe, Arizona with mountains in background

Arizona ‘Car-Free’ Neighborhood Nears Opening

Culdesac Tempe bans personal cars in exchange for access to scooters, bike facilities, and free transit. Is that enough to reduce car ownership in auto-centric Arizona?

June 20, 2023 - Yahoo News

View of Colorado River from top of Hoover Dam with concrete column on left

The New Colorado River Deal: An Explainer

According to one analyst, the agreement approved by the states doesn’t go nearly far enough to protect the river in the long term.

May 28, 2023 - The Land Desk

Close-up photo of Megan Kimble against blurry green background with title "A journalist's take on planning"

Through the Eyes of a Journalist: Megan Kimble Reflects on Covering Food Systems, Zoning Changes, and Highway Projects in the Southwest

Kimble’s interest in topics related to urban planning spawned from research and writing about food systems in the borderlands of Arizona. She then moved to Austin in the midst of the city’s update of its Land Development Code.

May 28, 2023 - The Planning Commission Podcast

Wind turbines sillhouetted against a sunset sky along roadway in New Mexico

New Power Transmission Line Approved in the Southwest

The proposed transmission line will transfer wind-produced power from New Mexico to cities in Arizona and California.

May 26, 2023 - U.S. News And World Report

"Bathtub ring" showing low water level on red rocks at Lake Powell, Arizona

States Reach Consensus on Colorado River Deal

The seven states along the Colorado River basin are in agreement over proposed water cuts over the next three years to preserve dangerously low reservoirs.

May 24, 2023 - Los Angeles Times

View of Colorado River winding through canyon in red rock cliffs against lightly cloudy blue sky

Lower Basin States Closer to Agreement on Colorado River

After a year of contentious negotiations, Western states dependent on the river’s water supply are nearing a deal that would reduce water use significantly over the next three years.

May 22, 2023 - The Washington Post

Aerial view of mobile home park next to freeway in Mesa, Arizona

Arizona Zoning Reform Bills Would Protect Mobile Home Residents

Three proposed bills would increase flexibility in zoning and encourage affordable housing production, particularly near light rail.

May 17, 2023 - Arizona Mirror

Blue and green Waymo logo on black square mounted on grey concrete background

Waymo Expansion Makes Phoenix ‘World’s Largest Self-Driving Car Zone’

The company’s autonomous taxis will soon be available in most parts of the metro area including Tempe, Mesa, and a new airport pick-up location.

May 8, 2023 - Arizona Republic

Self-driving white Waymo Jaguar SUV on street in Chandler, Arizona

How Self-Driving Cars Are Integrating—or Not—Into the Urban Fabric

As they become more common on some U.S. streets, autonomous vehicles are impeding emergency response operations and blocking traffic, idling in neighborhoods, and defying law enforcement.

May 2, 2023 - Arizona Republic

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