Newly-appointed city manager of Ventura, CA, Rick Cole addresses the challenges ahead for smart growth in a traditionally anti-growth environment.
The city of Ventura is at a crossroads when it comes to growth and development, sandwiched between the explosive development of Oxnard and the suffocating restrictions (and the associated skyrocketing property values) imposed in Santa Barbara. This month, the Ventura City Council voted to hire Rick Cole as its new City Manager. Cole, the current City Manager of Azusa and a staunch supporter of smart growth, will bring his vision to Ventura at the end of April. The Planning Report presents an interview with Rick Cole, in which he addresses the challenges of escalating property prices, development restrictions, and the need for a new approach to planning in the city of Ventura, California.
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: Ventura’s New City Manager On The Value Of Smart Growth

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

Test News Post 1
This is a summary

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service