Weekly Wave: Reflections: On Connecting Land Planning and Water Planning

Land planners and water planners often work in separate silos. Though all recognize that different land uses have different water requirements, land use decision-making may not be tightly connected to water resource planning. I remember some years ago noting that land use planners were often sparsely represented at water dialogues, with the reverse also true. The lack of connection is understandable considering the differences in background and focus between the two professions. Planning professionals are very busy attending to the day-to-day requirements of their positions, along with other professional responsibilities, such as participating in focused meetings and conferences.