River Restoration

A Bold Plan to Swim in Chicago's Rivers by 2030
Chicago Mayor Rah Emanuel and the Metropolitan Planning Council announced the "Our Great Rivers" plan this week.

Study Considers the End of Concrete in Houston's White Oak Bayou
The White Oak Bayou in Houston joins a growing list of urban watersheds that could be freed from its concrete shackles.

Gehry's Plans for Los Angeles River Restoration Gaining Clarity
Details are emerging in the controversial effort by Gehry Partners, LLP to plan a new vision for the Los Angeles River. So far, however, Gehry Partners seems to have been listening more than plotting or drawing.
Klamath River Dam Removal Moves Ahead Without Congressional Approval
A lack of Congressional approval almost killed a controversial dam removal project on the Klamath River in Oregon and California. The states and the Interior Department have found a way to proceed.

Gehry Partners Opens Up on Los Angeles River Progress
When Frank Gehry's involvement in the L.A. River restoration was announced in August 2015, the firm had already been conducting research on the project for nearly a year. For some time after that, details were scant and speculation abounded.
Lack of Congressional Support Kills Landmark Klamath River Deal
There might not be a drawing board to go back to after an agreement that would have removed four dams along the Klamath River died in Congress.
Rowing for Restoration on Cleveland's Cuyahoga River
A group of passionate rowers deserve some of the credit in the remarkable comeback story of Cleveland's Cuyahoga River.
California's Largest Dam Removal Underway in Monterey County
Even in an epic drought, the long-awaited commencement of the $83 million San Clemente Dam removal project is welcomed as the obsolete dam posed a safety threat to downstream communities and provided very little water due to tremendous silt build-up.
Cities Relearning Their Relationships with Rivers
As the country's industrial past fades, cities are finding new meaning in their rivers—from the meandering to the mighty.
Cost of River Restoration Project Rising Quickly in Los Angeles
Questions are emerging about the funding equation for an ambitious $1 billion proposal to improve 11 miles of the Los Angeles River through some of the most urban parts of the city.
Lesson in Reduced Expectations: Dallas’ Trinity Lakes Plan
Like so many visionary plans for the restoration of public space, Dallas’ original intentions for the Trinity Lakes plan might have been “just a bunch of pretty pictures.”
Putting the 'Rapids' Back in Grand Rapids
After more than a century of altering the flow of the Grand River, Grand Rapids' namesake whitewater has been largely eliminated. A new proposal backed by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder would "put the rapids back in Grand Rapids."
L.A. River: From Afterthought to Asset
With strong advocates in Washington and in City Hall, planning continues for an ambitious multi-billion dollar effort to overhaul the Los Angeles River and its relationship to the city.
Tribe Appeals For Removal Of Dams
Dams have been decimating the population of salmon in Northern California's Klamath River for years, and now Native Americans who depend on the salmon are traveling to visit the owner of the dams to appeal for their removal.
Dams And Power May Be Sacrificed For Salmon
To help save endangered salmon, officials are considering making costly improvements to dams on the Klamath River in California and Oregon. Removing the dams would cost less than fixing them, but removal forfeits hydroelectric power production.
Trinity River Restoration Finally On Track
Plans for the California river finally overcome all obstacles.
Pagination
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
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