San Francisco

Is CEQA the Main Impediment to Housing Construction in California?
According to a new study by UC Berkeley and Columbia University, local land use processes, specifically the approval process, rather than the California Environmental Quality Act, is the main impediment to housing production in California.

A Second Transbay Tube for BART: Let the Planning Commence
BART passengers could someday see a second route across the San Francisco Bay, with a parallel but totally new alignment and crossing points on the either side of the bay.

San Francisco's Outer Neighborhoods Fear Change from Housing Bill
Legislation from a former supervisor could transform much of San Francisco, particularly the outer-neighborhoods, by increasing heights and density along transit corridors. Opposition is growing.

Reevaluating Rent Control
Cities and researchers are reconsidering the effects of the controversial housing policy known as rent control.

Equitable Development in the Mission District
A local nonprofit created a real estate development wing to stem the tide of displacement in San Francisco.

Uber Now in the Bikesharing Business
Ride-hailing service Uber is piloting a new venture in San Francisco alongside dockless bike-sharing startup Jump.

Study Finds More Reasons to Worry About Airbnb's Effect in the Housing Market
The new study, published by the Urban Politics and Governance research group at McGill University, comes with a major disclaimer: it was funded by the Hotel Trades Council, AFL-CIO, among other.

Affordable Housing Fallout From Tax Reform
Despite saving tools like the low-income housing tax credit, affordable housing will still take a hit.

BART Gets 10 New Rail Cars
Fewer seats and more room for standing commuters are among the updates to the rail cars coming to BART.

Airbnb Sheds Thousands of Hosts in San Francisco
New registration requirements have proven an effective disincentive for thousands of short-term rental hosts in San Francisco.

Trial Over San Francisco Waterfront Development Height Limits Begins
The State Lands Commission filed suit shortly after San Francisco voters approved Prop. B in June 2014, requiring waterfront developments exceeding height limits to obtain voter approval rather than go through the Planning Commission process.

The State of San Francisco
One of the most astute observers of San Francisco provides a list of notable architecture project to locate the city amidst all its ongoing controversies and challenges.

San Francisco Supervisors Cool to Express Lanes on City's Freeways
The county agency that had hoped to do downtown cordon pricing now wants to add express lanes on Highways 101 and 280, but city supervisors are divided on charging solo drivers the option to buy into managed lanes. Both freeways lack carpool lanes.

The Landlord's Case for Stronger Rent Control
A small San Francisco landlord argues for repealing state restrictions on rent control.

What's Next for Bike Advocates?
Wondering what's on the agenda for bike advocates these days? The San Francisco Bike Coalition that just released a Strategic Plan that will direct political actions in 2018 and beyond.

Ferry Service Expanding to Keep Pace With Bay Area Growth
Ridership on Water Emergency Transportation Authority ferries, which operate around the San Francisco Bay, has grown 78 percent since 2012. Investment in new and expanded facilities is preparing for even more growth.

Out-Migration from the San Francisco Bay Area Getting Wealthier and Wealthier
The effects of one of the most expensive housing markets in the country are in display in this data analysis of migration to and from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Anti-Homeless Robot Raises Eyebrows in San Francisco
File under 'high-tech urban dystopia.”

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee Dies Suddenly at 65
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee passed away of a heart attack early this morning. He was 65.

Boomtowns No Longer Attract Waves of New Workers
The latest Upshot by Emily Badger looks at why American cities with the greatest economic opportunity no longer attract the population increases of yore
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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Planetizen
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NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service