A remote corner of the state is the nation’s fastest-growing metro area, but concerns about water supplies across the Southwest signal an uncertain future.

The region around St. George, Utah was the fastest-growing metro area in the nation for two years running, reports Bill Weir for CNN. But with Southwestern reservoirs, mainly supplied by the Colorado River, at historic lows, local officials warn that the future of the region is in peril.
Can a heavily conservative, regulation-averse county support strict water conservation measures? So far, general manager of the Washington County Water Conservancy District Zach Renstrom “has managed to help pass some of the strictest water laws in the West,” Weir writes. “In a bright-red county in a state allergic to regulations, there is a ban on growing grass outside new businesses,” and a home’s landscaping can consist of just 8 percent grass lawn.
Matt Rice, Southwest Region Director of the nonprofit American Rivers, told CNN that officials should focus their efforts on conservation rather than finding new sources of water, such as a proposed pipeline that would supply Utah from Lake Powell, which is at its lowest water level in history.
More on the Colorado River water crisis:
FULL STORY: The fastest growing metro in the US is looking to a shrinking reservoir to keep the boom going

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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.
Ascent Environmental
Borough of Carlisle
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service