California
Housing Crisis Derailing California's Climate Strategy
In a powerful opinion in The New York Times, state Senator Scott Wiener and UC Berkeley energy professor Daniel Kammen make the case that transportation emissions are rising in the Golden States because of the shortage of housing in coastal cities.
California Resists Federal Efforts to Roll Back Environmental Regulations
California is pushing back against federal actions by enforcing state rules and standards that it says have precedence.
Programming Over Serenity Favored in 21st Century Park Design
The new urban public realm in the United States is highly programmed—some of that design approach reflects the trends of culture and some reflects a history of violence and bad for PR for parks at the end of the 20th century.
California Unlikely to Follow New York in Allowing Urban Street Tolling
With the New York State legislature expected to pass a tolling plan for Manhattan early next week, the Chronicle's Rachel Swan reports on the unlikelihood of a similar plan being adopted in San Francisco or any city in the Golden State.
‘Flintstone House’ Irks S.F. Bay Area Town
The quirky hilltop home is visible from the freeway, and commuters love it. The city, however, does not.
Oakland A's Propose 6,000 New Homes
On top of plans to build a new ballpark, the Oakland Athletics have proposed developing 6,000 units of housing. Half would be located at the new site near Jack London Square, and the other half at the current Oakland Coliseum site.
Opinion: Promising Complete Streets Project Now a 'Monument to Half-Baked Efforts'
A protected bike lane project in Downtown Los Angeles has ceded too much ground to cars, according to this opinion piece. If only it were the only example to choose from.
The Race to Become the First State to Ban Polystyrene Food Containers
Both Maryland and Hawaii are in a race to become the first state to ban polystyrene food containers and beverage cups. The Maryland bill passed the legislature March 12 and awaits a decision by Republican Gov. Hogan. Too early to tell on Hawaii.
Replacing Diesel-Powered Trucks With Natural Gas, Hybrid, and Battery Power
The U.S. Department of Energy, in partnership with the California Energy Commission and the South Coast Air Quality Management District, awarded $18 million to nine companies and universities to advance natural gas technology for trucks.
Finger-Pointing Around Outreach Campaign for Southern California Toll Road
To sway public opinion, the Orange County toll road agency hired a group of consultants. Critics say the cost and service delivered aren’t acceptable.
The Many Ongoing Public Transportation Projects of the Bay Area
The San Francisco Chronicle offers a round-up of 11 big transit projects, by Caltrans, BART, SFMTA, and others, making progress around the bay.
On-Demand Shuttle Pilot Operating in Los Angeles
The LAnow on-demand shuttle began operation earlier this month.
Study: Housing Crisis Stems from Inequality (Not Zoning)
A new paper examines the impacts of broad economic trends—like inequality, job markets, and migration—on housing markets in the nation's major metropolitan areas.
The Resilience of Culture
Cultural institutions and heritage sites may contribute to a city’s social cohesion and attract investment.
San Diego Unbundles Parking, Eliminates Parking Minimums and Sets Maximums
In addition to replacing parking minimums with parking maximums of one space per unit in transit corridors, the city council went a step further by requiring unbundling, that is, requiring separate payment for parking from the housing.
Bill Would Phase-Out Most Diesel Emissions in California
The bill is directed at the medium and heavy-duty trucking industry, which, along with buses, account for 90 percent of the state's toxic diesel exhaust. Diesel emissions would need to be reduced by 80 percent by 2050. Will electric trucks be ready?
California Lawmakers Seek New Ways to Relieve High Rents
Legislators are trying to chip away at the law that restricts tenant protections around the state.
Transit Ridership Up in San Diego
Most of the U.S. saw public transit ridership continue its downward trend last year, but San Diego’s ridership, particularly on light rail, was up.
More States Look to Expand Tenant Protections
Cities and states around the country are reconsidering decades-old bans on rent control.
Santa Monica Pedestrian Mall Wants People to Hang Out
Updates are coming to the Third Street Promenade as it seeks to innovate the retail experience.
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
