A recent report from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has revealed that despite billions of dollars in improvements, many areas of New Orleans still face a significant threat of flooding.
"The report shows that despite considerable improvement, large swaths of the city are still likely to be flooded in a major storm."
"If a big hurricane were to hit today - producing flooding with a one-in-100 chance of occurring in any year - parts of the Gentilly and Lakeview neighborhoods, in the northern half of the city, would probably still take on at least 8 feet of water. Hundreds of flooded homes in those neighborhoods are being rebuilt by owners struggling to return."
"But the report shows that the vulnerable areas within those neighborhoods are much smaller than they were before Hurricane Katrina - considered a one-in-400 storm - thanks to the Corps' substantial improvements to the 350-mile levee system, the floodwalls, pumps and gates."
"As part of the report, the Corps established a Web site that allows New Orleans residents to study the city on a block-by-block basis, and learn what kind of damage they might expect with more than 150 kinds of storms. If it works as promised, the system will allow residents to determine the relative risk of living in the various neighborhoods of New Orleans - and whether nearly two years and $7 billion have made them safer."
"The report clearly shows that some areas are less vulnerable than they were in 2005. But it could also potentially lead insurers and investors to think twice about supporting the rebuilding efforts in particularly vulnerable areas, or even in the city as a whole."
FULL STORY: Army Corps Details Flood Risks Facing New Orleans

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
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