A few things to know this week: June 25, 2021
This week’s things to know:
‘Nonfunctional’ grass to be banned in Las Vegas Valley (Review Journal)
As someone who lives in an area regularly impacted by drought - and as someone who loves their artificial lawn - I'm always on the lookout for news about how cities are tackling this problem (although, unfortunately, many have their heads in the sand). The Las Vegas Valley is one prime example. Under the requirements of a new bill just signed into law in Nevada, 1/3 of all nonfunctional grass must be removed in the next five years. In the past, the water authority has even gone so far as to pay financial incentives to encourage property owners to do this - but it hasn't been enough. As I look around at all of the Bermuda and St. Augustine manicured lawns around Texas communities. I wonder how long these discussions will be put off before city officials realize that there are many other options that put their communities on the path to a better future - and that doing nothing is going to cost them dearly. -AJ
Amtrak aims to expand train service across US with Biden's help (Washington Post)
With infrastructure legislation back in the news it is worthwhile to make note of the AmTrak expansions that have been proposed. There are great maps in this article that show both national and regional network expansions and improvements. While funding would be required at the federal and state level, advocates say a primary challenge is finding a balance between establishing new corridors and not taking away from projects in states already heavily invested in rail. Virginia is among the states leading the way with a $3.7 billion rail program that seeks to double passenger trains within the decade. States in the south have not had money like that rationed for rail so a deal like this could mean budgets stretched out for states like Texas. -Ryan
Integrating Water and Land Use Planning in Colorado (Western Planner)
Since water is on my mind today, I want to share a phenomenal piece written by a good friend, Andrew Spurgin of Westminster, CO. Andrew has been a passionate advocate for city planning that looks at growth and its impact on water and infrastructure in order to create policies that balance growth and precious resources. He offers some excellent points for planners to include as they go about the work of looking ahead, and then shares Westminster's story. It's a powerful example of how aggressive growth can create far-reaching consequences. Furthermore, it underscores what a critical role a comprehensive plan should play in the management of resources and land development. I highly recommend taking a look and thinking differently about how your city could better use their plan in this way. (Then call us, so we can help you create it!) -AJ
H-E-B's North Texas Arrival Adding 'Salt to the Wound' for Food Desert Neighborhoods (NBC DFW)
When I initially heard that HEB was going to Dallas I was elated. Having friends and family that live in Houston and Austin I was well aware of the devotion and following that the franchise has, and in my opinion for good reason. Upon further reading and realizing that the DFW stores are actually in already rather well served suburbs Frisco and Plano, my feelings shifted to think of missed opportunities. There are plenty of areas and communities in Dallas proper that need resources and access to fresh groceries that do not. These food deserts did not get any love from the ‘Texas born’ grocer, and very well deserved to have new locations there than an area where there is a grocery store almost every mile in every direction. Are there areas in your city that deserve reinvestment or revitalization? Would an under-served area in your city be brought up by the increase in assets and access to quality food and transportation? Let us know and reach out to talk more about what we could possibly do to help. -Ryan
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