California
Court Ruling a Setback for California’s ‘Builder’s Remedy’
A state court has ruled in favor of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors’ efforts to block a development project despite the state’s efforts to intervene.
San Diego Ponders How to Declare ‘Housing as a Human Right’
Landlords in the city believe housing rights shouldn’t supersede property rights.
The True Scale of Flood Hazard Facing Los Angeles
New research sheds light on how L.A.’s aging and poorly maintained infrastructure is putting hundreds of thousands more residents in flood hazard zones than previously estimated.
How Buildings Can Lead the Way to a Decarbonized Future
A public utilities building in Santa Rosa shows how innovations in architecture and grid management can reduce energy use and prepare buildings for a more sustainable energy future.
San Francisco Returns $15 Million Federal Grant for Market Street Improvements
San Francisco was awarded a federal grant in 2018 that it was forced to return in 2022 because it couldn't start construction by 2025.
New National Monument Proposed South of Joshua Tree
The 700,000 acre monument would protect threatened species and important historic and cultural sites.
Port of San Francisco, Army Corps of Engineers Planning for Rising Bay Waters
A massive climate adaptation planning effort is underway for the docks (and seawalls and landfill) of the San Francisco Bay.
Berkeley ADU Rules Found in Violation of State Law
A regulation limiting the number and size of ADUs in the Berkeley Hills runs afoul of state law, but supporters say it protects the safety of residents in fire-prone areas.
Sea Level Rise Threatens an Iconic California Train
A scenic Southern California line could require relocation as rising sea levels destabilize the coastal soil that supports its tracks.
Portland, Sacramento Propose Banning Camping Citywide
Both West Coast cities are preparing to criminalize sleeping on public streets, claiming new shelter beds will provide enough resources for their unhoused populations.
Los Angeles Subway Work Halted Amid Serious Safety Lapses
A string of unaddressed worker injuries prompted the county transit agency to suspend work on a subway line that will connect downtown Los Angeles to the westside.
Remembering a Titan: Mike Davis Dies at 76
Davis’ unflinching portrait of Los Angeles politics and power dynamics remains a penetrating analysis of modern city-building, who it benefits, and who it leaves behind.
Waymo Wants to Bring ‘Robot Taxis’ To L.A.
After launching pilot programs in San Francisco and Phoenix, the company says it is ready to begin deploying its autonomous vehicles on Los Angeles streets.
How the 'Builder's Remedy' Is Disrupting Planning and Development in California
The state of California has long looked the other way while cities blocked growth. With the state now enforcing growth plans, more and more cities are faced with losing local control of zoning. Introducing the “Builder's Remedy."
Designing a New Nature Center at a Geological Wonder
Los Angeles County has developed a conceptual design for a new nature center at the Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area based on community input. The old nature center was destroyed by a wildfire in 2020.
Uproar Over San Francisco’s $1.7 Million Toilet
Critics question why a single-toilet public bathroom could cost the city close to $2 million and take two years to build.
Identifying and Addressing Rural Park and Recreation Needs
Rural communities are not homogeneous. Each has its own unique demographics, location, topography, history, park and recreation needs, and community preferences.
Ramping Up Recycled Wastewater
States like Colorado and water suppliers in parts of Southern California are expanding the use of recycled wastewater to protect dwindling drinking water supplies.
How Office Conversions Could Benefit San Francisco
The city could emulate Calgary, New York, and other cities in supporting office conversions as a way to boost floundering downtown economies and provide much-needed additional housing.
Wildfires Second-Largest Source of Emissions in California
New research quantifies the impact of wildfires on California’s air quality, indicating that bigger and more frequent fires contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
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
