If one of the efforts to divide up California into smaller states became reality, San Diego and Imperial County would thrive, according to land use consultant Wayne Raffesberger.

Venture Capitalist Tim Draper purportedly spent $5 million trying to qualify a ballot initiative to divide California into six smaller states. There have been other efforts to divide the state into smaller states. And of course, there was the short lived "CalExit" movement—until it was revealed to have Russian ties. San Diego land use consultant Wayne Raffesberger is sick of condescending pontificating from the North while L.A. and the Bay Area get most of the funding. He says bring it on:
We are already far better positioned to go it alone than most would imagine. On the big issues — water availability, electricity, transportation, and planning, we are either already largely independent of the rest of the state, or could be within a few years.
. . .
Imagine if our two counties formed a new state of South California, one with a constitution that celebrates individual liberty, not special interests. A state devoted to environmental and economic self-sustainability. It would contain some of the most productive agricultural land in the country, the most important naval base, the best zoo and amusement parks, world-class universities, spectacular scenery, and a fantastic climate. How special we could be.
For his full opinion, see the source article.
FULL STORY: San Diexit?

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.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

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.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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.
Ascent Environmental
Borough of Carlisle
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