California
Five Years After $1 Billion Freeway Expansion, Traffic Only Gets Worse
The lesson of the I-405 widening project that birthed meme-worthy events like "Carmageddon": widening a freeway won't reduce congestion for long, if ever.
Toward a More Useful, and Accurate, Definition of Gentrification
Recent studies have called into question the predominant narratives on gentrification. A more precise definition of the term as it works in the United States is required.
An Unexpected Turn for California's New State Population Report
Population data released May 1 by the Department of Finance reveals the Golden State's lowest population growth rate on record, at 0.47 percent.
The Consultants Behind the CA High-Speed Rail Debacle
The state's high-speed rail project is billions of dollars over budget and years behind schedule. A major problem is that consultants have been running the show from the start, say critics.
A New Plan for Sea Level Rise in the San Francisco Bay Area
The San Francisco Bay has 400 miles of shoreline, and a dire need for a new approach to dealing with the effects of rising water levels. An estimated $100 billion in potential property damage is at risk.
The Regional Planning Agency Wanted to Evolve on Transportation. The County Said No.
A kerfuffle in San Diego, as San Diego County and the San Diego Association of Governments find themselves at odds over the future of transportation in the region.
When a Few Neighbors Speak for the Entire Neighborhood
This probably sounds familiar in more places than one: just a few stakeholders accounts for a clearly disproportionate number of the appeals made to the Planning Department in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Westwood.
Unequal Distribution of Shade Is Environmental Injustice
A longread, written by Sam Boch and published by Places Journal, has been creating a stir online and is highly recommended for those with an interest in intersections between social justice and urban design.
Thinking Outside of the Transit Box in L.A.
Metro is analyzing new geolocational data to look beyond conventional understandings of travel behavior.
California's Most Controversial Housing Bill Advances with Amendments
Senate Bill 50, by Scott Wiener, advanced on two fronts last week: On Wednesday, it passed easily out of its first committee with new "Minneapolis-style" amendments. On Sunday, it received a New York Times editorial endorsement.
Department of Interior Plans to Open 1 Million Acres in California to Fracking
The Bakersfield Office of the Bureau of Land Management released an environmental study that is the basis for undoing a 2013 de facto moratorium on fracking on federal lands in California. The Supplemental EIS triggers a 45-day public comment period.
Tech Money Dominates S.F. Housing Market
The tech industry has created massive wealth, and the impacts on the real estate market are most dramatic in San Francisco.
Putting a Stop to Disabled-Placard Fraud in L.A.
The fine for misuse of a placard will increase considerably, but not everyone agrees this is the right way to address a growing problem.
California Bill Takes Aim at Vacation Rentals
Proposed legislation in California would limit short-term beach rentals in San Diego.
ADUs Offer Affordable Housing in California, but Challenges Persist
While accessory dwelling units have the potential to ease California’s housing crisis, homeowners still find the construction process difficult to navigate.
Another Big City Announces Sweeping Energy Plans for Buildings
San Francisco and New York City made a theme of this year's Earth Day: mandating emissions reductions from buildings.
California's Upzoning Bill, SB 50, Would Allow Apartment Construction in Wealthy Communities
The proposed legislation would open up cities like Palo Alto to higher-density housing.
Transit Projects Would Provide Local and Regional Connectivity for L.A. Suburb
Two projects on the table in Glendale, California, a BRT line and a streetcar, would increase mobility options in the city.
Middle-Income Density Bonus Working Toward Approval in San Diego
The San Diego City Council's Land Use and Housing Commission approved a density bonus program to provide incentives for developers to build middle- and low-income housing.
Residents Left Behind as L.A. Stadium Project Surges Ahead
Inglewood had fallen on hard times, but then plans for a massive sports and entertainment complex came along. While the city’s future is poised to change dramatically, the development is also displacing residents.
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
