California
Urban Gentrification Typifies Growing Economic Polarization
A snapshot of urban gentrification in San Francisco shows what is happening throughout the U.S., according to a new Brookings Report. The middle class is not only losing ground, but entire neighborhoods, and the consequences are far-reaching.
How The Automobile Changed Southern California
Los Angeles Times Special Commemorative Edition looks at how cars have defined the culture and identity of Southern California.
Radio Report Looks At Improving L.A. River
From increasing riverside parks to removing the concrete riverbed, many ideas for improving the Los Angeles River have been simmering for years. This radio report introduces many in the city who are calling on planners to revive the forgotten river.
Building Industry Blames Onerous Regulations For Housing Shortage
In the second of two reports, the California Building Industry Association asserts that "red tape and regulations", primarily the California Environmental Quality Act, prevent builders from meeting housing demand and boosting the state's economy.
Mountain House, A New City, Builds Up
Eventually, 44,000 residents will call Mountain House home. Currently, about 4,000 people live in the much-fretted-over planned development.
Comparing A Manhattan Landmark With L.A.'s Grand Avenue Project
The Frank Gehry-designed Grand Avenue project in downtown Los Angeles looks to a well-known Manhattan urban landmark for inspiration. Will it work?
Top L.A. Building Official Brought To Court In Orange County
A controversial home remodel has generated a difficult situation for Andrew Adelman, general manager of the L.A. Department of Building and Safety, who approved a project later found by a judge to violate the city's own zoning laws.
Why High Speed Rail Shouldn't Ride In California
Wendell Cox weighs the true costs over the reported costs of creating a high speed train system for cities between San Diego and Sacramento. He offers opposition to a very expensive and likely underused project.
Rincon Hill Towers To Change San Francisco's Skyline
San Francisco's skyline is on the verge of a transformation. Long known for landmarks such as the Transamerica Pyramid and Coit Tower, Rincon Hill, near the base of the Bay Bridge, will add a new dimension and a new neighborhood.
Did Landlords Force Out Tenants To Gentrify Apartments?
A lawsuit alleges that landlords harassed tenants and forced them out from rent-controlled buildings in gentrifying neighborhoods.
Arnold's 'Mean Green Machine'
The contest for California governor may hinge on who is perceived to be the greenest candidate. Schwarzenegger is rolling out a new, green image, but an environmental initiative on the ballot could undermine his message.
The Two Faces Of Gentrification
Hollywood celebrities and gangs, million-dollar luxury homes and the homeless, all live side-by-side in the Oakwood neighborhood of Venice.
Downtown L.A. To Get Convention Center Hotel
At 54 stories, the $750-million project would feature a five-star hotel, nearly 1,000 rooms, and luxury condominiums. It would be one of the largest buildings in LA.
Police Bulldoze L.A. Urban Farm, Arrest 40
Police arrest protesters, including celebrities, and forcibly shut down one of the nation's largest urban farms, a 14-acre community garden in South Central Los Angeles.
Saving the Commons: LA's South Central Farm
The battle over how to protect the nation's largest urban garden from redevelopment has gained international attention. It also caused Joan Baez and Daryl Hannah to sit in a tree.
Gentrification Driving Out Families From Dense L.A. Neighborhoods
In some of Los Angeles' densest neighborhoods, higher rents and property values have resulted in a drop in school enrollments -- an early indicator that families with children are leaving the urban core.
Naming Streets In America's Fastest-Growing County
As a planner for Riverside County, California, John Trichak's monumental task is to approve names for new streets in fast-growing unincorporated Riverside County.
Will Planning Become Central Issue In California Governor Race?
Voters in the Central Valley and other parts of California are fed up with traffic and air pollution. Can Angelides tap into that frustration in his race for governor?
California County Secession Attempt Fails - Time For Regional Governance?
Political columnist Dan Walters opines on the failure of northern Santa Barbara County to break away and form Mission County. Walters suggests that counties may no longer be relevant and suggests replacing them with regional entities.
L.A. May Run Partly On Wyoming Wind Power
The Los Angeles power department has approved a contract with a Wyoming wind farm to purchase the equivalent of 1% of the city's annual energy needs. The city council is expected to finalize the contract within weeks.
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
