California
Ground Zero For The Sub-Prime Mortgage Meltdown
In Perris, California, a bedroom community in the outer orbit of Los Angeles, 1 out of every 53 homes is in default.
The Quest For Colored Bike Lane Pavement
Bicycle advocates in San Francisco want the city to pave bike lanes with colored pavement, but so far the city has resisted the plan, citing a lack of standards.
Central California Cities Team To Address Growth
With Census figures predicting a doubling in the population by 2030, the Central California county of San Joaquin has begun an eight-city planning process to help shape the region's future.
How Free Wi-Fi Could Change The City
Will Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's plan to provide free wireless access really benefit Los Angeles?
Google's Unparalleled Transit Network
Free shuttle service is intended to attract and retain the Bay Area's top talent.
Planting The Seeds For Green Roofs
A plant company owner in San Diego, California, is hoping his new vegetated roof will help the concept catch on with others in the region.
Wal-Mart Withdraws Supercenter Plans
Wal-Mart has dropped plans to build a "supercenter" store in the East Bay city of Livermore, which has joined many other Northern California cities that have used local powers to prevent the retailer from moving in.
San Diego Neighborhood Wrestles With Student Housing
Entrepreneurial students-turned-developers are turning houses into dorms around San Diego State University to meet the growing demand for affordable housing, but neighbors want the city to crackdown on the practice.
Will L.A. Finally Get A Train To The Airport?
State legislators have introduced a bill to connect the Green Line light rail with LAX.
Mayor Proposes Compromise Between Disneyland And Housing Development
In the latest turn of events in the battle between Disneyland and a proposed housing development, Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle has stepped in to push the company to reconsider its staunch opposition to allowing housing into its tourist resort area.
New Thom Mayne Building Asserts Eco-Idealism
The new San Francisco Federal Building, designed by architect Thom Mayne, has a soft 'green' underbelly to its hard industrial exterior.
Boomers Need Immigrants
Within 20 years the baby boomer generation will need the immigrant youth, who are more successful than the public believes, reports USC planning professor Dowell Myers, in his new book, Immigrants and Boomers.
A Sustainable Water Supply For Southern California
As Southern California's population grows -- and taxes its famously scarce water supply -- the Inland Empire Utilities Agency is applying the tenets of smart growth to its efforts to recycle, reuse, and conserve water.
Should Transit In Los Angeles Be Free?
One of Los Angeles' transportation commissioners advocates eliminating bus and train fares to help the urban poor and encourage ridership.
Free Riders Hurting S.F.'s Muni
Unpaid riders and broken fares boxes are causing budget woes for San Francisco's bus and rail system, Muni, according to the system's administrators. The agency estimates losses in the tens of millions of dollars.
Gated Communities Command A Premium
Houses in gated communities generally command values 5-7% higher than equivalent houses non-gated communities. Despite the rapid growth of gated communities, many critics question the value.
Should Gay Districts Be Preserved?
Long known internationally as America's "Gay Mecca", San Francisco's Castro District is seeing an influx of straight couples who find the district's amenities attractive. A movement is afoot to ensure the district retains its gay identity.
Will Growth-Averse Berkeley Go High-Rise?
In response to meeting regional housing demand requirements stipulated by the Association of Bay Area Governments, the Downtown Area Plan Advisory Committee of Berkeley, California, considers a high-rise development plan proposed by city staff.
Sometimes People Don't Mind Paying More
Sewer and water ratepayers in San Diego recognize that a rate hike is the only way to pay for replacing aging infrastructure.
Bond Money To Pour Into California Freeway Widening
The all-powerful California Transportation Commission is besieged by attacks from both Northern and Southern California leaders who argue for a greater share of the landmark $20 billion transportation bond fund approved by voters last November.
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
