California
Downtown San Jose Could Get Taller
In the Bay Area's biggest city, the debate over density pits two economic drivers against each other.
San Francisco’s Housing Woes: How the Past Informs the Present
A zoning history dating back to the 19th century still has significant impacts on the city’s housing in the present day.
Art to Inspire Climate Action
The Coal+Ice exhibition was on view in San Francisco in September 2018, timed to leverage Governor Jerry Brown’s Global Climate Action Summit.
Creative Placemaking's Role in Enhancing Community Safety
Efforts across the country show that these projects have the added benefit of improving community safety.
Can Bikeshare Work Without Bike Lanes?
One journalist argues that missing ingredient for a flourishing bike culture isn't rental bikes; it's safe places to ride.
California Gas Tax Supporters Get Good News from Latest Voter Survey
In a turnaround from prior voter surveys, a poll released Wednesday on November propositions found a slim majority of voters opposed to repealing the state's first legislative gas tax increase since 1989. Rent control opponents received good news too
Caltrain Ending Weekend Service to San Francisco Until 2019
Caltrain will end service into the city of San Francisco while it converts the route to electric power.
Voters in Four States to Decide on Transportation Sales and Fuel Taxes
Californians will determine whether to repeal recent fuel tax and user fee increases; Missourians to vote on a 10-cent gas tax hike over 4 years; Coloradans whether to hike the sales tax, and the most interesting measure will be decided in Utah.
Shasta Dam Expansion Explorations Underway
Raising the height of the Shasta Dam in Northern California has been on the table since the 1980s. Now it looks like the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation is going through with it.
San Jose to Vote on $450 Million Affordable Housing Bond
A $450 million bond referendum will come before San Jose voters this November. Mayor Sam Liccardo promises it is "a necessary but not sufficient tool" to provide stable housing at an epicenter of the housing crisis.
The Latest on Los Angeles' Hollywood Park Development
New photos and renderings show the Inglewood Stadium construction and future plans for the 300-acre multi-use project.
Neighborhood Electric Vehicles Welcomed in San Diego County—But a Plan is Needed
Neighborhood electric vehicles may become more popular in California's second most populous county thanks to legislation signed by Gov. Jerry Brown. The small zero-emission vehicles are prohibited from crossing streets with speed limits above 35 mph.
With a Growing Number of Transit Projects Planned, L.A. Considers Renaming Rail Lines
Like many cities, L.A. already has two trains in the blue color family. With more rail projects in the works, some think it's time to update the system.
California Considers Creating Directory of Buildings Most Likely to Collapse in an Earthquake
Cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles already keep lists of vulnerable buildings, but a new piece of legislation would require all California cities do the same. The catch? The bill will not provide funding to support these lists.
Regional Housing Needs Allocation Reform Bill on Gov. Brown's Desk
The lone survivor of Sen. Scott Wiener's trio of "Housing-First Policy" bills awaits a decision by Gov. Jerry Brown. Senate Bill 828, intended to increase the amount of land zoned for housing in California cities, was weakened by amendments.
Vision Zero’s Ambitious Safety Plans Face Implementation Realities
The program’s outcomes in different cities show varying levels of success and some failures.
Retrofitting Cities with Accessory Dwelling Units Is a Win-Win
Expensive West Coast cities are looking to these alternative and add-on structures to ease their housing challenges.
Court Reinstates Coastal Commission's Decision on San Diego Harbor Island Project
A long-running legal battle over proposed hotel developments in San Diego appears to have come to an end.
Transit Oriented Upzoning Can't Win Local Support in San Diego
Residents are shooting down plans that propose increased density and height in San Diego. The city had planned to cut its carbon footprint by encouraging transit oriented development.
Alternative Analysis Pegs L.A. Homeless Count at Over 100,000
Casting doubt on an official estimate of around 52,000, researchers at a Los Angeles-based nonprofit put the number at close to double that level. That's accounting for anyone who became homeless at some point during the year.
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
