The first planning commissioners were appointed by the Board of Supervisors in 1923, making the Regional Planning Commission the oldest county planning commission in the United States.
In 2023, the Los Angeles County Regional Planning Commission (RPC) celebrates its 100th anniversary. In late 1922, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors created the Commission with staff to coordinate land use planning within the county. The first regional planning commissioners were appointed by the Board in early 1923. This makes the RPC the oldest county planning commission in the U.S.
The RPC acts as an advisory body to the Board of Supervisors on all planning matters. The commissioners administer provisions of the State Planning Law (Title 7, Division I, of the Government Code), the State Subdivision Map Act, California Environmental Quality Act, and the LA County ordinances affecting planning such as the County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance. They advise on planning policies and conduct regular public hearings and meetings. RPC consists of five Commissioners which are appointed to four-year terms by the Board of Supervisors.
To commemorate and celebrate this significant milestone, the Department of Regional Planning (DRP) created a StoryMap which summarizes the fascinating history and major accomplishments of the RPC and DRP. For example, the inaugural RPC immediately got to work on the issues of the day and started the development of a zoning code early on. The Board of Supervisors adopted what became the first county zoning code in the nation on September 12, 1927. Following adoption of the zoning code, the RPC initiated the process of creating precise zoning plans for many unincorporated areas and places.
FULL STORY: RPC History
Regional Planning Paradigm Shift in Southern California
The Southern California Association of Governments, in response to new mandates from the state, has adopted a radical new approach to housing requirements in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.
Expanding Green Spaces in Greater LA: Challenges and Solutions
Creating parks and open space in L.A. County requires overcoming land scarcity, high costs, and other challenges through strategic partnerships, innovative multi-benefit designs, and policy reforms to ensure equitable access and sustainability.
A Greener LA County: 623 Acres of New Parkland for Communities
Los Angeles County is investing $17 million to create 623 acres of new parks and open spaces, expanding access to nature, advancing equity, and enhancing community health and well-being.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Federal Homelessness Agency Places Entire Staff on Leave
The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness is the only federal agency dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness.
Restoring Northern India’s Himalayan ‘Water Temples’
Thousands of centuries-old buildings protect the region’s natural springs and serve as community wells and gathering places.
Milwaukee to Double Bike Share Stations
Bublr Bikes, one of the nation’s most successful, will add 500 new e-bikes to its system.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service