Although it is still far from meeting some standards, the Los Angeles area has made significant improvements in air quality in recent years.
The South Coast air basin continues to be the nation's only"extreme non-attainment area" for ozone pollution, however, the numberof days which the area was out of compliance with the federal standarddropped from 130 days in 1990 to 41 in 1999. In addition, Los AngelesCounty was rated unhealthful 5 % of the time last year compared to 28%in 1995, and Houston has replaced Los Angeles as the "smoggiest city" inthe nation. Although the area has made progress in recent years,environmental groups stress that there is still a long way to go toimprove air quality. Dave Jesson, the U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) liaison to the South Coast Air Quality Management District,points out that if the EPA wins its court fight over its air pollutionstandards, Los Angeles will have even farther to go to be in compliance.
Thanks to California 2000 Project
FULL STORY: L.A. pollution rating drops sharply
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
USDOT Revokes Approval for NYC Congestion Pricing
Despite the administration’s stated concern for the “working class,” 85 percent of Manhattan commuters use public transit to enter the city.
Tiny House Villages for Addressing Homelessness: An Interview with Yetimoni Kpeebi
One researcher's perspective on the potential of tiny homes and owner-built housing as one tool to fight the housing crisis.
Preserving Altadena’s Trees: A Community Effort to Save a Fire-Damaged Landscape
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena Green is working to preserve fire-damaged but recoverable trees, advocating for better assessment processes, educating homeowners, and protecting the community’s urban canopy from unnecessary removal.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Investigation Reveals Just How Badly California’s Homeless Shelters are Failing
Fraud, violence, death, and chaos follow a billion dollar investment in a temporary solution that is proving ineffective.
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