An unintended consequence of Proposition 13, which limits local governments ability to impose taxes, is more State decisionmaking for local planning efforts.
There is an emerging pattern of state legislature intervention in local planning matters that, until recently, were previously handled by local government representatives. Examples of state intervention include development of a new LA County hospital in East Los Angeles, land use decisions in San Bernardino County, revisions to San Francisco's International airport, and others. Dan Walters asks if this is an appropriate role for state government.
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: Policy-making's upward shift

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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.
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research