California
L.A. May Bring Streetcar Back
Public officials in Los Angeles are floating ideas to bring back its historic downtown streetcar.
Increasing Affordable Housing Requirement Sparks Debate in San Francisco
Planners in San Francisco are battling with city supervisors over plans to increase the affordable housing requirements for a new development -- a proposal that some planners say might scare off developers.
Transit Center May Not Be as Pedestrian-Oriented as Planned
A transit center proposed for the East San Francisco city of Hercules is being criticized for moving away from its original plans for a pedestrian-oriented layout.
City Considers Seizure as Holdout Landowner Prevents Redevelopment
One holdout landowner is preventing the redevelopment of Pittsburg, California's waterfront, but the city is pushing for eminent domain.
Toll Road Extension Though Beach Voted Down
The California Coastal Commission has voted against expanding a controversial toll road through a state beach.
Is Regional Mag-Lev in L.A.'s Future?
Los Angeles has created a joint-powers authority to consider a regional magnetic-levitation train system. The $26 billion system would be funded and operated by a private firm.
A Green Lens for Affordable Housing
This article looks at how landscape architects have combined green roofs, public spaces and affordable housing to address the chronic homelessness in San Francisco's infamous Tenderloin district.
Controversial Toll Road Through State Beach Heads to Commission
The California Coastal Commission is scheduled to weigh the planned completion of a 28-mile toll road that would cut through a state beach. Many say the road is necessary to cut congestion between San Diego and L.A., but others see it as destructive.
Just Don't Call it a 'McMansion'
This article discusses an architect's attempt to classify his homes as "McMansions" and the city's unwillingness to accept the "McMansion" label as an acceptable way to categorize the architecture of proposed homes.
Extreme Train Commuting: San Francisco To Sacramento
The San Francisco Chronicle Magazine profiles several "extreme" commuters from San Francisco to Sacramento aboard the Amtrak Capital Corridor train. Complete with great photos and anecdotes, it portrays the Amtrak bus and train ride quite accurately.
California May Close Parks to Cut Budget
As part of an effort to reduce the state's budget expenses, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed a plan that would close 48 state parks.
Man Sued For Reducing Waste
A California man reduced his waste to zero, so he canceled his garbage collection. But garbage collection is required in his city, so the local government is suing.
Judge Orders $409 Million Restored To California Transit Account
The settlement comes after a group sued to have $1.2 billion restored to the transit fund after the state shifted funds to balance the budget, paying for transportation-related programs that normally would have been paid from the general fund.
Time for Toll Lanes in L.A.
Los Angeles needs to change its carpool lanes to high-occupancy toll lanes, according to this editorial.
Smaller Cities Make Plans for Sustainability
Sustainability is catching on in more cities than New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Ventura City Manager Rick Cole explains how his city's land use practice can impact California's climate change efforts.
Recycling Center Stirs Controversy In Changing Neighborhood
The long-standing recycling center adjacent to Kezar Stadium at the edge of Golden Gate Park is seen by many neighbors to be an attraction for the homeless who raid their recycling bins.
Reaffirming Los Angeles' Industrial Land Use Policy
To the chagrin of some local developers and politicians, the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency and the city Planning Department have released a joint policy directive that limits the conversion of industrial land to residential uses.
A Limit On Driving In California?
Is a statewide cap on driving in the works? Bill Fulton says a regional driving limit may be the only way that California is able to reach its self-imposed mandates for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Car 'Feebate' Under Consideration in California
The California Assembly is considering a bill that would create the nation's first "feebate" -- a charge or rebate California drivers would pay or receive depending on how much greenhouse gas their cars emit.
Rent Control Under Fire In California
A California ballot initiative heading to voters in June could bring an end to the state's rent control laws.
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
