Measure S and an oddly timed election brought planning and development to the center of the public consciousness in Los Angeles for a few months. The voters resoundingly supported one side of the issue.
[Updated 3/9/2017] Emily Alpert Reyes, Ben Poston, and David Zahniser report on the demise of Measure S, the controversial and hard-fought ballot initiative that would have halted general plan amendments and, along with them, much of the approved construction around the city of Los Angeles.
"As of midnight, returns showed Measure S going down to defeat by a 2-1 margin, with more than half of precincts reporting," according to the article, so the margin of victory was substantial. Thus, the article also declares a winner in the campaign's "referendum on urbanist dreams of a denser, taller Los Angeles, bemoaned by critics as the 'Manhattanization' of L.A."
A separate article by Dakota Smith, Matt Stevens, Ben Poston, and Doug Smith frames the election as a victory for the status quo.
Finally, Jenna Chandler provides additional coverage of the Measure S vote, including an updated vote tally that brings the score to 68.85 percent voting no on S, and 31.15 voting yes on S.
FULL STORY: Measure S defeated after a heated, costly battle over future L.A. development
The Case Against the Los Angeles 'Neighborhood Integrity Initiative'
The dust from the November election is far from settled, but Los Angeles is already headed back to the ballot box in March. The big ticket item for planning in the city: Measure S, also known as the Neighborhood Integrity Initiative.
Public Outcry Greets Plan to Connect L.A. to Pasadena via Bus Rapid Transit
Voters might have approved transit funding multiple measures by wide margins in Los Angeles County in recent years, but actual project proposals still have trouble appealing at the hyper-local level.
New Hollywood Community Plan Draft Released
One of the most controversial community planning documents in Los Angeles history was approved by the city in 2012 and thrown out by a judge in 2013. The new draft environmental impact report for the plan is now publicly available.
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.
Grand Rapids Mayor Proposes Garage Conversion Plan
The mayor says allowing homeowners to convert garages to dwelling units could alleviate the city’s housing shortage.
Baltimore Ordered to Improve Sidewalk Accessibility
The city is one of many to face lawsuits for failing to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This Toronto Suburb Has More Bus Riders Than Columbus, Ohio
Brampton, Ontario used gradual improvements in service to prove that if you build it, they will ride.
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Planning for Universal Design
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