California
Will Smart Growth Work In Los Angeles?
Giant mixed-use projects are coming, but are Angelenos ready to change their driving lifestyle?
An Air Quality Version Of An Economic Enterprise Zone?
In a bold, creative attempt to bring more federal and state funds to solve the air pollution problem in California's Central Valley, local leaders hope to declare the region an "air quality empowerment zone".
Cal-i-for-nia, Here We...Leave?
For the first time since 1994, more residents left California than arrived -- and this time the outflow includes even Hispanics. High housing costs are blamed for the shift in migration.
Don't Treat Suburbs As A 'Sin'
Columnist Steven Greenhut argues that Smart Growth ideologies mistakenly treat suburbia as a sin, and examines contracy evidence from a new study on suburban isolation and Wendell Cox's book, "War on the Dream."
Cohousing Projects Increasing Nationwide
Land has been purchased for what will be Oakland's fourth cohousing project, a collection of about 33 housing units with an underlying purpose of cooperation and community. Similar community housing projects are cropping up across the country.
The American Mall: Now The Public Space Of Choice?
The new form of the shopping mall -- lifestyle centers -- are fulfilling the original destiny of the American mall by "re-creating the essence of urban life", writes Virginia Postrel in a Los Angeles Times opinion.
River Restoration Begins In California
In California, the largest river restoration project in the West has begun as water formerly directed from the Owens River to the Los Angeles Aqueduct is rerouted along 62 miles of its original path to Owens Lake in Central California.
The NFL Versus Mixed-Use Development
A developer with big plans for a mixed-use complex has offered the City of Anaheim, California, $150 million dollars for land that the NFL has been scouting for a new franchise stadium.
Has Bringing Housing To Downtown Oakland Hurt The City?
Outgoing Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown's plan to add 10,000 residents to its downtown hasn't succeeded in its original goal -- to boost the city's revenue from sales taxes.
Los Angeles Gets Split By Census Bureau
In a victory for local leaders, the San Fernando Valley breaks away from Los Angeles County, at least according to the U.S. Census.
Studio Plans Urban Village On Backlot
NBC Universal announced plans to build almost 3,000 homes, along with new offices and production facilities, on its prime land holdings in Los Angeles, which are also adjacent to a subway station.
Is One L.A. Developer A Modern Day Mr. Scrooge?
Geoff Palmer, a successful developer who has constructed hundreds of new apartments in downtown Los Angeles, has consistently fought the city's attempts to force him to include affordable units in his developments.
Can Oakland Lead The Green Economy?
Oakland's new progressive mayor and the Oakland Apollo Alliance are working to turn that city's fortunes around through "green collar" jobs and "green enterprise zones".
Pedestrians Lost In The New Suburbia
A resident of a touted New Urbanist development in San Diego, California, comments on its failure as a walkable community.
California Land Use Law Expert Passes Away
Daniel J. Curtin Jr., a former Walnut Creek city attorney who was known as the dean of California land use law, died this week at 73.
Remembering Transportation Expert Melvin Webber
Distinguished urban planning professor Melvin Webber, who helped plan and then studied San Francisco's BART system, passed away at 86.
Do Palm Trees Belong In Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is going to limit the city's iconic palm trees because they are not native to the region.
Restrictions On SF Pier Restoration Inhibit Placemaking
Restoring and redeveloping aging piers in San Francisco is helping to create a vibrant pedestrian promenade. But some feel the costs and developmental restrictions associated with the renovations are hindering the full potential of the area.
Michael Dukakis Takes On Parking
The former presidential candidate successfully lobbied Los Angeles officials to crack down on sidewalk parking around UCLA.
Wal Mart Supercenters Banned in San Diego
A law banning large retail stores, intended to keep WalMart Supercenters out of the city, is approved by San Diego officials.
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
