Southern California's Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy is a model of how a masterful conservancy can develop financial and political strength, and change the face of a region.
"Twenty-three years and $317 million later, the agency and its longtime director, Joseph T. Edmiston, are still around, having emerged as masters of the land deal. With projects from Santa Clarita to South-Central Los Angeles, the conservancy has steadily expanded its reach, while continuing to develop its political and financial muscle... The conservancy's success is undeniable. The 115-member agency has helped preserve more than 55,000 acres of parkland throughout the region, stretching from the rolling hills of east Ventura County to the freeway-laced Whittier Narrows.Flush with $40 million from a recent state bond measure to preserve wetlands and watersheds, the conservancy is poised for another buying spree. This time, it will focus on the Los Angeles River watershed, which it hopes to transform into a 51-mile "recreational greenway" of trails and parks."
Thanks to Laura Kranz
FULL STORY: Conservancy Emerges as Force in Land Preservation
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.
Greening Oakland’s School Grounds
With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.
California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas
Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.
Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship
In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.
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)
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Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland