California
Celebrating California's Biodiversity
This year marks the fifth annual California Biodiversity Day, established in 2018 to celebrate and encourage actions to protect the state’s exceptional biodiversity.
New Active Transportation Plan for Los Angeles County Announced
The new Active Transportation Strategic Plan (ATSP), announced recently by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, will be both aspirational and expensive.
California to Invest $750 Million in 16 ’Jobs-Rich’ Areas
California is funding a sweeping package of investments expected to deliver big benefits in housing affordability and greenhouse gas emission reductions.
Using GIS to Advance Park Equity and Prioritize Restoration of Degraded Lands
The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation uses GIS technology to identify priority areas for land conservation and restoration as part of its 30x30 plan to fight climate change and protect biodiversity.
The Importance of Accessible Trails
Not all trails are accessible to those with limited mobility. This article highlights eight trails and nature walks in Southern California that can be enjoyed by just about anyone.
More Cities Ponder the End of Drive-Thrus
Drive-thru fast food restaurants might be a staple of American life, but several U.S. cities are actively considering prohibiting the development of new drive-thrus for the benefit of traffic safety, air quality, and congestion.
Quantifying the Potential of California’s ‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ Bill
A new report estimates that 171,000 acres of land would be available for housing development if California approves SB 4, Affordable Housing on Faith and Higher Education Lands Act of 2023.
Pershing Square, Downtown L.A.’s ‘Forgotten Park,’ Begins Long Awaited Revamp
A makeover that began in 2015 is finally underway in 2023, but the process of reconstructing Pershing Square is expected to proceed incrementally.
Exploring Urban Resurgence
In a wide ranging personal journey of interest to planners and interpreters of the built and natural landscapes, Chuck Wolfe weaves the interplay of the forces behind the everyday, providing fodder for problem solving in our cities and towns.
Partnering with Schools to Expand Parks Access
The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is partnering with over 560 schools to provide students access to the outdoors, nature education, and recreational programming.
New Research Builds Evidence for Zoning Reform
Cityscape has published a collection of new research building support for zoning reforms as a tool for mitigating the effects of the housing affordability crisis.
Meeting Housing Goals by Loosening Commercial Zoning
Torrance, a city on the coast of Southern California in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, recently adopted a zoning overlay that will relax commercial zones to allow more residential development.
U.S. Transit Agencies Still in Need of a Long-Term Solution to the Looming ‘Fiscal Cliff’
San Francisco and New York exemplify the political challenges in finding long-term finding solutions for public transit in the post-pandemic United States.
California Regulators Require Parking Replacement for Outdoor Dining Spaces
The city of San Diego’s Spaces as Places outdoor dining program includes a critical parking requirement mandated by the California Coastal Commission.
$3.1 Billion for California Transportation Infrastructure
Federal and state funds were recently awarded to a large number of road projects around California.
Expanding Schoolyard Greening in California
To protect kids from extreme heat, California just distributed another $73 million to local school districts to transform schoolyards by converting blacktops to green spaces, planting trees, and other related efforts.
New Plan Aims to Revive Downtown San Francisco
The proposal focuses on placemaking and street activation as tools for economic development.
Rail Electrification: Caltrain adds BEMUs to its EMU Order
Caltrain, the San Francisco-to-San Jose commuter railroad, plans to begin electrified operation next year on its 49-mile mainline. A 28-mile extension south to Gilroy would continue to be served by diesel trains, with one train powered by battery.
Recreational Programming Helps Communities to Thrive
Los Angeles County's popular and award-winning Parks After Dark program offers multiple important benefits, as documented in a recent UCLA study.
HUD Approves L.A. Housing Voucher Changes
The city requested changes to federal housing voucher approvals to streamline the approval process for people experiencing homelessness.
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
Ada County Highway District
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
