Urban planner and researcher, C.J. Gabbe, shares insights from his past two years living in Los Angeles, including surprising innovations in planning and development.

"Los Angeles is commonly portrayed as a sprawling metropolis, suffering in a state of constant automobile gridlock. The region undoubtedly has major problems – ranging from poverty and housing affordability to air quality and water availability – that should not be understated. However, after living in L.A. for the past two years to study planning at UCLA, I’ve also been impressed with the planning and development innovation coming from the region. In many ways the L.A. region views its future as an urban one, and is playing rapid catch-up by expanding its rail transit system and creating walkable neighborhoods. It’s one of the most exciting places to be an urbanist today. Successful urbanism in Los Angeles provides lessons for other growing communities seeking to transition away from an auto-centric status quo."
Gabbe goes on to list eight innovations as an "illustrative, not an exhaustive, list of urbanism in Los Angeles...Countless non-profits, public agencies, and private developers are actively turning the L.A. region’s serious challenges into opportunities to create a more sustainable, just future. The L.A. case shows that the road to change can be difficult, but progress is possible."
FULL STORY: Eight reasons it's exciting to be an urbanist in Los Angeles today

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

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.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland