Vision California, the state's first planning document in over thirty years, was released Wednesday and concludes that planners "should focus on creating compact development in already established cities," over continued suburban sprawl.
New developments in California need to be planned from conception to conserve increasingly scarce resources such as water and gasoline. These measures will translate to a healthier lifestyle for dwellers through reduced commutes and improved air quality. The authors argue that "bringing commuters closer to their jobs can help Californians drive 3.7 trillion fewer miles and save 140 billion gallons of gasoline by 2050."
Although the report does not impact law directly, it takes aim at local governments who have enjoyed the "autonomy to create their own growth initiatives." The report is likely to become a hotly debated topic as the state approaches November gubernatorial elections.
FULL STORY: Cut Suburban Sprawl, Save Energy, Study Urges
Google's Big Mixed-Use Plans for Downtown San Jose Come Into Focus
Google's plan for a mixed-use transit village at a mile-long site near the Diridon Station in San Jose has a newly released planning document available for public review.
S.F. Bay Area City Says It Wants More Housing—But Votes Down Project
The project included everything San Bruno and residents asked for, and it would have helped the city make significant progress in addressing its growing housing crisis. Still, it was voted down.
California’s Inheritance Tax Break Is Helping Some Much More Than Others
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Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
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Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Minneapolis Bans Rent-Setting Software
Four cities have enacted restrictions on algorithmic software that can inflate rent costs.
Oakland to Add 244 New EV Chargers
Oakland plans to launch its new charging network at eight locations by the end of 2025.
Jane Goodall Inspires with Message of Hope, Resilience, and Environmental Action
Speaking in Pasadena, Jane Goodall offered a hopeful and inspirational message, urging global compassion, environmental responsibility, and the power of individual action to shape a better future.
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