The city will change its landscaping rules to prohibit “non-functional turf” and encourage native and climate-resilient vegetation.
The city of Denver is revamping its landscaping requirements to encourage more sustainable, resilient landscaping. As Ysabelle Kempe explains in Smart Cities Dive, the new rules will apply to new developments and some redevelopment projects in the city.
The new rules will be established after a public engagement process that will begin in 2025. “Across Denver, non-functional turf covers areas along roadways and in medians and parking lots. A 2024 study finds that 74% of Denver’s turf is on private land, according to a Dec. 9 presentation by city staff to the budget and policy committee.” The city also has some of the lowest tree canopy coverage at 15 percent.
A Colorado state law passed earlier this year bans non-functional and artificial turf in commercial, industrial, and institutional developments. Denver’s updated regulations will apply to all landscaping in the city and county, but will not affect existing landscaping.
FULL STORY: Climate resilience top of mind for Denver as it plans to revamp landscaping rules
California Agency Awards $38 Million for Turf Replacement
The grant funds grass replacement rebates for commercial and residential properties and water-saving devices for fire stations.
A Sustainable Future for LA: Updating the OurCounty Plan
Los Angeles County is updating its Sustainability Plan to refine its vision for climate action, environmental justice, and community well-being, with residents encouraged to participate by taking the OurCounty 2025 Update Community Survey.
Sustainability Expert Becomes Dean of USC’s School of Public Policy
Chris Boone, a sustainability leader, becomes dean of the USC Price School of Public Policy, where he aims to advance interdisciplinary solutions and sustainability initiatives while building on the school’s legacy of public policy leadership.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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.
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Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service