Public Access
Florida Homeowners 'Nope Out' of Beach Restoration Over Public Access
The U.S. Corps of Engineers and Redington Shores, Florida are at a standstill: The Corps won’t spend public money to restore private beaches, and homeowners are refusing to grant public access to the beaches behind their home in return for federal assistance.
Lawsuit Could Open Public Access to Colorado Rivers
Colorado is one of few U.S. states that has decided that private property owners supersede the public when it comes to access to rivers and streams.
Legal Battle Heats Up Over the Form and Function of Oregon's Coasts
As Oregon's coastal beaches erode, taking valued public space with them and exposing private property to increased risks from flooding and sea-level rise, some local governments want to allow property owners the right to "armor" the coast.
The Inequities of Beach Access
Over 80% of Californians live within an hour’s drive of a beach, but that does not mean that everyone has easy access to beaches.
Khosla Wins Surprise Court Ruling on Beach Access
The controversy over a tech billionaire blocking access to a Pacific Ocean beach is back from the dead.
'No Crossing' Signs in Portland Limit the Public Way, Say Critics
In Portland, Oregon, transportation advocates are questioning the justifications for crosswalk closures in the city.
Improving Beach Access and Environmental Protection in Galveston
The city of Galveston has more to do to live up to its own standards in accessing and protecting the gulf coast.
Beachfront Residences Can't Extend Yards Onto Public Beaches, CA Coastal Commission Decides
"It's like squatting by the rich," said one commissioner.
U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Case Threatening the California Coastal Act
A conservative and partisan court handed a victory to public access and California's environmental law by refusing to hear an appeal sought by billionaire Vinod Khosla.
Orange County to Remove 1,000 Homeless People From the Santa Ana River
Responding to local homeowners and politicians, Orange County will clear homeless encampments from a riverbed and stormwater channel under its control.
Editorial Raises Concern About Access to Planned Golf Course Near Obama Library
It doesn't get anymore high profile than the names behind planned projects in Jackson Park on the South Side of Chicago. The question is whether a new Tiger Woods-designed golf course will be accessible to residents.
Previously Inaccessible Wilderness Area in New Mexico Could Finally Open to the Public
The Sabinoso Wilderness is designated public land, but it's completely surrounded by private property. That could soon change.
Getting Creative to Reduce (or Increase) Beach Access
Communities and municipalities have deployed a surprisingly creative menu of policies to increase or restrict access to beaches. The Public trust doctrine, it turns out, is in the eye of the beach-holder.
Lawsuit Closes Popular Hiking Trail to the Hollywood Sign
Closing today: one of the most popular hiking trails in the Hollywood Hills, another case of the antipathy between public access and private property.
A Guide for Everyday People to Activate a City's Waterfront
One community advocate's step-by-step guide to activating hidden public waterfront space.
'Vision 53' Plan Would Connect Atlanta to the Chattahoochee River
A river flows through Atlanta, but few of the city's residents have any access to it. A new vision plan produced by the advocacy group Chattahoochee Now aims to change that.
London's Garden Bridge Gates Public Access
The approval process is revealing more details about a garden bridge designed by Thomas Heatherwick in London—what has emerged is less a park than a tourist attraction.
California Cracks Down on Beach Blocking Scofflaws
The California Coastal Commission has a powerful new tool to go after homeowners who block access to the state's beaches—the CC can now fine such scofflaws instead of taking them to court.
What does the 'Millennium City' in India Teach about the Right to City?
The article discusses the issue of lack of 'true' public spaces in Indian cities through the case of Gurgaon, a fast growing suburb of New Delhi.
Philly Prioritizes Public Access with Hiring of Chief Data Officer
Self-described "civic hacking veteran" Mark Headd has joined Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter's administration as the city's first "chief data officer," with the mission of "improving public access to information the city collects."
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
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
