In a surprising last-minute change, a new plan that outlines how California will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions does not include a concrete target for reductions attributable to less-sprawling land use patterns.
"A yet-to-be-appointed committee of regional planning agency representatives will refine the emissions reduction target for land use decisions, the California Air Resources Board decided on December 11. The board declined to establish the high target requested by environmentalists and smart growth advocates, and opposed by building interests and local government.
Air Resources Board Member Daniel Sperling said he understands why land use received heavy attention, even though it accounts for a very small part of the AB 32 emissions reductions. "There is so much frustration that's been growing over the years about sprawl and [there is a] desire to create better communities," Sperling said. "What we are doing here is breathing life into a movement."
Board Member Ron Roberts, a San Diego County supervisor, pointed out the state is handing an emissions reductions mandate to regional and local governments at the same time the state has eliminated all funding for transit. Greatly improved transit service is essential to cutting emissions, he said."
FULL STORY: Greenhouse Gas Plan Defers To SB 375 Process
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.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Car Designs Make it Harder to See Pedestrians
Blind spots created by thicker pillars built to withstand rollover crashes are creating dangerous conditions for people outside vehicles.
Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie