California Director of Finance Steve Peace discusses the challenge ahead in brokering a state budget agreement.
Steve Peace first gained public recognition for producing and starring in the cult film Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. After 20 years in the California Legislature, it is unlikely that even Steve Peace could have dreamed up a scenario more frightening than the $35 billion budget shortfall the state currently faces. Nevertheless, as the governors new Director of Finance, Peace is tasked with brokering a resolution to the budget crisis that will keep the states economy moving and keep government offices open. And, given Sen. Peaces impressive legislative record, there likely is no better candidate for the job. Metro Investment Report presents this interview with Sen. Steve Peace, telling it like it is about the state budget and the negotiations that lie in wait this summer.
Thanks to Larry Segal
FULL STORY: State Budget Crisis Candidly Examined By State's Budget Director Steve Peace

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.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

San Francisco’s Muni Ridership Grew in 2024
The system saw its highest ridership since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but faces a severe budget shortage in the coming year.

Colorado Lawmakers Move to Protect BRT Funding
In the face of potential federal funding cuts, CDOT leaders reasserted their commitment to planned bus rapid transit projects.

Safe Streets Funding in Jeopardy
The Trump administration is specifically targeting bike infrastructure and other road safety projects in its funding cuts.
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