A California bill that seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by controlling land use may be one of the most important land use bills in years, according to Bill Fulton. But if it passes, the progress it makes could be short lived.
"SB 375 is, of course, Sen. Darrell Steinberg's bill that would implement the AB 32 greenhouse gas emissions reduction bill by tying state transportation and infrastructure money to regional plans to create 'sustainability communities.' It has been years since California Planning & Development Report has covered a bill this much."
"Last year, the bill got almost all the way through the Legislature before Steinberg pulled it at the last minute. Ever since, it has been the focus of extensive negotiations among builders, local governments, and environmentalists. Last week, proponents announced a deal had been done – but this may have been wishful thinking."
"The reason for all this hullabaloo is that all the experts agree the state can't hit the greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets in AB 32 through technological fixes alone, and that 10-15% of the solution has to come from changing growth patterns in a way that reduces overall driving. This attention to land use has given smart growth advocates and environmentalists an opening in Sacramento, but it's not something that builders or local governments really want to hear."
"We assume SB 375 will pass in some form, setting off a frenzy of activity in California on how to implement the legislation. But it's worth noting that the whole AB 32 thing might be short-lived. No matter who is elected president in November, it's likely that a federal greenhouse gas reduction bill will pass that could override AB 32. Even if there is no new federal legislation, it's likely that the next administration – of whichever party – will likely give California more leeway on technological solutions."
FULL STORY: SB 375 Frenzy May Be Short-Lived

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont