A new book created by the Sonoran Institute explains how exploratory scenario planning can be useful to prepare for the uncertainty of water in the near- and long-term future.
John Shepard, senior director of programs at the Sonoran Institute, writes a blog post that offers news of a new book to aid in scenario planning for water supply issues in the western United States.
Shepard offers some historical context for why scenario planning can be powerful tool for water infrastructure planners:
Historically, communities planned around water supply and demand with specific goals in mind—we expect to grow by X, so we will need Y amount of water to meet future needs. They had a confidence that there would be few surprises ahead, but in reality, communities need to consider a range of possible situations when they plan for their water supply. Communities need to be able to pivot accordingly, depending on which future comes to pass.
The book offers case studies of scenario planning applied in three planning efforts—the Colorado Water and Growth Dialogue, a systems improvement process in Fort Collins, and an effort at the Upper Gila Watershed Partnership to identify resilience strategies for the watershed.
The Sonoran Institute wrote the book, published in August 2020, which was published by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. Video tutorials and other resources are also available to complement the guidance found in the book.
FULL STORY: Planning for an Uncertain Future around Water
More Need Than Ever for Drought Resilience on the Colorado River
The effects of climate change are already cutting deeply into the lifeblood of the U.S. West—the Colorado River.
Exploratory Scenario Planning, Explained
Planners don't need fancy software to prepare for an uncertain future. Exploratory scenario planning promises a more aware, adaptive, and resilient planning profession.
Arizona Struggles to Balance Demand for Water
Two case studies exemplify the extreme economic and legal pressures surrounding water supply in the state of Arizona.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
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.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research