California
University Seeks To Enlighten, Uplift Its L.A. Neighborhood
Often reviled for its gritty neighborhood, the University of Southern California is reaching out to its surrounding communities and putting forth initiatives to bridge the town-gown divide and spur economic development.
Using Transit Oriented Development As A Global Warming Reduction Strategy
A regional planning agency in the Bay Area is including TOD as a strategy to help the Bay Area meet its AB 32 goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Los Angeles Delves Into Urban Forestry
Los Angeles, with one of the smallest arboreal canopies of any major American city, has launched an initiative to plant one million trees over the next few years.
In California, A River Is Restored
Los Angeles water officials are restoring year-round flow to 62 miles of the Lower Owens River, with hope that the waterway will once again support plant and wildlife and become an eco-tourist attraction for ailing Inyo County.
L.A. Should Focus On Subway Extensions And Light Rail
How planners should spend their share of $19.9 billion approved for new infrastructure in California.
SF Hopes Residents Like Stadium Plan Better Than 49ers
As the 49ers threaten to move out of San Francisco, the city has revealed to the public its plans for a new stadium. The team saw the plan two weeks ago and have withdrawn support, claiming that the plan does not provide the best "fan experience".
California's Hopes For High Speed Rail
Plans for a statewide system have been in the works for almost a decade, but doubts remain about whether taxpayers will ever want to foot the bill.
Cities Try Online Fix For Parking Crunch
The City of Santa Monica, California, provides real-time parking availability information on the Internet in hopes of relieving traffic problems from motorists circling for a parking space.
Voters Elect Wind Energy Advocate To Congress
Soft-spoken mathematician and wind energy advocate Jerry McNerney defeated Rep. Richard W. Pombo, an opponent of the Endangered Species act.
Quaint Historic City Embracing A New Urban Future
With its new redevelopment strategy creating new downtown shops and residences, "urban living" could be the new motto of South Pasadena, California -- a city renowned for its preservation efforts and resistance to change.
Small Town Tries To Cope With Major Traffic
Halfway on the route between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, residents of Yermo, California, must plan their errands around weekend traffic jams.
Keep The Affordable Housing Outside, Please
A gate with stone pillars will separate the haves from the have-nots at a recently approved development for seniors in Monterey County, California.
The Case For BRT Versus Subway
Los Angeles should consider improving its already successful bus rapid transit system before investing in a $5 billion subway expansion.
How Design Competitions Can Reinvent Downtown
Richard Weinstein, a professor of architecture and urban design at UCLA, and dean from 1985-94, comments on the role design competitions can play in building a better downtown.
What Makes A Good Developer?
City Watch Los Angeles examines the different types of real estate developers, and identifies the key factors that make for a "good" developer.
What To Do With The Stadium When The Team Leaves?
Contrary to popular belief, the City of Oakland made very little profit, if any, on having the Oakland Athletics play at the McAfee Coliseum. The baseball team's pending move within Alameda County frees the stadium for more lucrative events.
First U.S.City To Ban Smoking - Belmont, CA
While other cities ponder various types of smoking bans, a small suburb on the San Francisco peninsula has gone 'all the way', banning the activity in all places except single-family detached residences.
Development Could Transform Palm Springs Landmark
Critics oppose a major development including a resort, golf course, and housing, on the lower slopes of Palm Spring's Mt. San Jacinto.
Why Don't Elected Officials Take The Bus?
Los Angeles' mayor has been a tireless advocate for mass transit, but some wonder why the mayor doesn't make use of the system himself.
The Ballpark Stadium of the Future
The Oakland A's sign a deal with the technology company Cisco to replace the Oakland Coleseum for a high-tech new ballpark which will set the standard for future stadiums.
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
