California

Homeless encampments on the Venice Beach Ocean Front Walk.

Study: ‘Sweeps’ Don’t Impact Homelessness

A study of three Los Angeles neighborhoods revealed that ‘cleanups’ of encampments don’t result in fewer people on the streets.

July 25, 2024 - Governing

Bike lane marked with white paint on asphalt street.

Zeroing in on California’s Incomplete Streets

A report highlights the lack of enforcement of Caltrans’ Complete Streets policy in projects around the state.

July 24, 2024 - Streetsblog California

Rendering of large 'lagoon' pool in California Forever planned development.

‘California Forever’ Withdraws Ballot Measure

The company will delay taking its high-tech planned community proposal to Solano County voters to conduct an environmental impact report and work with the city on zoning changes.

July 23, 2024 - KQED

Dense neighborhood of homes on a hillside on the water in San Diego, California.

San Diego’s Short-Term Rental Ordinance, One Year in

Since enacting a spate of regulations on short-term rentals, the city has removed over 7,000 illegal listings from online platforms.

July 23, 2024 - The San Diego Union-Tribune

View of people sitting in lightly sloped green lawn with Spanish colonial-style building and cityscape in background in San Francisco, California.

How Local Park Agencies Contribute to Decarbonization Efforts

Park agencies play an important role in decarbonization by creating and managing parklands, promoting sustainable practices, and engaging communities to combat climate change and enhance public health and biodiversity.

July 23, 2024 - National Recreation and Park Association Open Space Blog

Fenced-in oil pump in residential neighborhood

Millions in California at Risk Where Oil Wells and Wildfires Converge

Those living near oil and gas wells face increased risks from wildfires, which threaten these infrastructures and could lead to explosions, pollution, and other hazards, particularly affecting communities of color.

July 22, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Brick apartment building with For Rent sign

San Francisco Considers Nation’s First Ban on Rent-Setting Software

Property management software used by corporate landlords is under scrutiny for using algorithms populated by proprietary rental data to encourage their clients to collectively raise rents.

July 22, 2024 - San Francisco Chronicle

Close-up of green and white sign for 1 hour EV charging station outdoors with tall palm trees in background against blue sky.

L.A. County Expands Electric Vehicle Fleet to Combat Climate Change

Leading by example, the county is increasing its electric vehicle fleet to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability.

July 22, 2024 - KCAL News

A brown-and-white bird of prey with spread wings is about to grab prey with its extended talons.

New L.A. County Raptor Rescue Center Aids Injured Birds of Prey

Located in San Dimas, the center rehabilitates and releases injured birds of prey like owls, hawks, and falcons, aiming to restore ecological balance and support biodiversity.

July 21, 2024 - San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Aerial view of downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico at sunset.

Albuquerque Moves to Close Alleyways to Deter Unhoused People

Cities around the country are enacting more restrictive regulations after the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of local governments in Grants Pass v. Johnson.

July 18, 2024 - Newsweek

Group of people and kids biking through small roundabout in Long Beach, California.

Long Beach Has Installed Nearly 100 Traffic Circles

They range from large traffic circles that reduce congestion to small neighborhood roundabouts designed to slow local traffic.

July 16, 2024 - Streetsblog LA

Group of young people enjoying group study at table.

LA County Summer Youth Employment Program Empowering Thousands With Career Opportunities

The Youth@Work program offers up to 10,000 paid work opportunities to marginalized and underserved youth aged 14 to 24, providing them with valuable job training, skills development, and mentorship.

July 15, 2024 - County of Los Angeles

View of California State Capitol dome in Sacramento, California at dusk.

California Secures $16.2 Million HUD Grant for Affordable Housing

The funding will be used to develop affordable housing, reduce regulatory barriers, and address systemic racism in land use policies.

July 15, 2024 - NBC 4

Costco store with cars parked in front in Temecula, California.

When Your Neighbor is a Big-Box Store

Taking advantage of state and local density bonuses and streamlining measures, beloved big-box retailer Costco is getting into the housing business

July 12, 2024 - California Planning & Development Report

Close-up of yellow and black goldspotted oak borer beetle on blade of grass.

Invasive Beetles Threaten California's Oak Trees

Goldspotted oak borers are damaging California's oak trees, increasing wildfire risks and causing ecological and economic losses, with mitigation focused on local firewood sourcing and tree management.

July 11, 2024 - Fox 5

Aerial view of brownfield area with digger loading a dump truck.

Revitalizing Toxic Sites Using Fungi and Plants

Fungi and plants are being used to detoxify polluted sites, turning hazardous brownfields into vibrant meadows and empowering communities with eco-friendly remediation skills.

July 11, 2024 - Yale Environment 360

Close-up of rental agreement with pen and black-rimmed glasses.

California Law Limits Security Deposits for Renters

Starting this month, landlords can no longer charge multiple months’ rent for security deposits.

July 10, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Aerial view of park playground in West Los Angeles, California.

LA County Releases Funding for Parkland Acquisition in Underserved Communities

Los Angeles County has released $14.5 million in Measure A grant funds to support parkland acquisition in high-need areas, aiming to create additional green spaces and advance environmental justice and equity.

July 10, 2024 - Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District

Homeless encampments on the Venice Beach Ocean Front Walk.

Busting Myths About Homelessness

Challenging common misconceptions about unhoused Californians with data.

July 9, 2024 - CALmatters

California Aqueduct channel in flat farmland area.

California’s 2024 Drinking Water Needs Assessment Reveals Critical Issues in Public Water Systems

The assessment identifies 385 failing public water systems and highlights significant funding gaps and affordability challenges in ensuring safe drinking water for disadvantaged communities.

July 9, 2024 - WaterWorld

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.