California

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.

Zeroing in on California’s Incomplete Streets
A report highlights the lack of enforcement of Caltrans’ Complete Streets policy in projects around the state.

‘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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

California Law Limits Security Deposits for Renters
Starting this month, landlords can no longer charge multiple months’ rent for security deposits.

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.

Busting Myths About Homelessness
Challenging common misconceptions about unhoused Californians with data.

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.
Pagination
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