Cities and states are rolling back support for artificial turf, which can leach chemicals and microplastics into groundwater.
Local governments are starting to address the environmental impacts of artificial turf, which grew in popularity in recent decades as an alternative to thirsty natural grass.
In an article for Route Fifty, Kaitlyn Levinson explains that artificial turf can contain toxic materials like PFAS and leach fossil fuel-based materials into local groundwater. States like California, which in 2015 barred local jurisdictions from banning artificial turf, are now rethinking that decision. “In October 2023, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that still prohibits cities and counties from banning drought-tolerant lawns consisting of living plants, but does allow them to ban synthetic grass.”
For property owners looking for turf alternatives, landscaping with native vegetation offers another option. “Biodiverse landscapes containing native plants and vegetation, for instance, can help communities strengthen local ecosystems and build climate resilience.”
FULL STORY: Turf wars: States, cities grow skeptical of artificial grass
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.
The Rise of Artificial Turf
Once scratchy and unrealistic, artificial grass has come a long way. Now, it’s quickly becoming a popular lawn replacement as droughts and climate change make traditional lawns harder to maintain.
Cities Facing Turf Questions
Water saver or environmental hazard? Questions are compounding about artificial turf as more homeowners ditch their grass for fake lawns. Contradicting city policies muddy the issue in the arid Southwest.
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