Portland has solved a tricky urban problem, dealing with stormwater runoff, with an elegant, simple on-site solution that doubles as a small place of beauty added to a neighborhood.   Costs less; diminishes the need for expensive, storm pipe system and treatment plants; fosters community involvement and adds beauty - it is a perfect example of a local solution.  

We get gorgeous photos and more information from the blog, Pruned:

Kevin Robert Perry won an ASLA Professional Award for a truly innovative stormwater management system he designed for the city of Portland, Oregon. Referred to as the “first of its kind anywhere,” Perry's project replaced the city's combined storm/sewer pipe system with a landscaped curb extension carved out of a portion of the street's parking zone.