California
Experimental Transportation Projects Get $33 Million in Bay Area
Federal grants worth $33 million have been approved in the San Francisco Bay Area for experimental programs like electric taxis and mobile bike repair services.
A Library for Bikes
The University of California, Los Angeles has begun operations on a new kind of library -- one that rents bikes out to students.
The 'Negligible' Building Safety Benefit of Helipads
In the second part of a series looking at codes in L.A. that require tall buildings to have flat roofs for helicopter landing, Curbed LA discusses a new building that has been exempted from the code and whether more are likely to follow.
The Fire Department Code That Flat-Tops L.A.'s Skyline
All buildings in Los Angeles taller than 75 feet are required to have a flat surface on the roof where helicopters can land, according to a fire department-mandated code. Now leaders are thinking about updating that code -- and the city's skyline.
Living Alley Establishes Permanent Roots in San Francisco Neighborhood
Street furniture and plantings transform a small strip of roadway within a bustling San Francisco neighborhood, much to the delight of the planners and designers who fought for the change for over five years.
LA Weighs New Design Guidelines
Some critics say the proposed voluntary measures don’t have teeth, while others worry they lay the groundwork for overdevelopment.
CA & FL To Win $900 Million & $800 Million For HSR
Awards for high speed rail projects will be announced Oct. 26. CA will receive $902 million for 18 projects from SF to San Diego, the largest in the Central Valley. Florida will get $800 million for the Orlando to Tampa line
The Conflicted Culture of Los Angeles
Christopher Hawthorne reflects on the simultaneous rise of bicycle culture and anti-transit NIMBYs. Can Angelenos come together to move forward when it comes to transportation and the built environment?
Motorists To Pay Ozone 'Penalty' in Central Valley
In a unanimous vote on Oct. 21, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District approved another 'first' air quality measure not done elsewhere: They supported charging Valley motorists for paying the $29 million ozone penalty set by the E.P.A.
FRIDAY FUNNY: NIMBY Robot Prepares to Save Berkeley
A Berkeleyan warms up his NIMBY robot to face the planning commission, in this xtranormal animation from Joshua Abrams of www.planningcollaborative.com. The robot is programmed for Berkeley, but he could be easily reprogrammed for other cities.
B.C. and Washington Seek High Speed Rail to California
Officials in the Pacific Northwest are calling for a high speed rail line that connects British Columbia with California.
Motorists May Be Asked To Pay Ozone Penalty
San Joaquin Valley's bad air will cause their air district a $29 million fine for exceeding federal ozone limits - and they plan to ask motorists to pay the bill, if the board supports the new registration fee.
Why Kids Can't and Won't Walk to School in Laguna Beach
Getting kids to walk to school has been a nationwide campaign for years. But some places say it's just not safe. Some urban forms -- like that of Laguna Beach, California -- prove it.
Private Development Bringing Quality Public Space
The relocation of a museum in San Francisco offers a model for how private developments can create quality public space, writes John King.
High Speed Rail Is Not Primarily About Economics
Chikodi Chima responds to an article entitled "Economists Say High-Speed Rail Won't Make A Dime" with "California High Speed Rail Doesn’t Need to Make a Dime to Make a Difference" - both are about the recent Stanford study.
New Ruling Means Greater Access to California Coast
A ruling this week by the California Coastal Commission will allow a dozen new picnic areas and up to five new trailheads, in addition to camping areas for 280 people and new access to the Coastal Slope Trail. The camping will be the first in Malibu.
Are Large Discount Grocers the Answer to Food Deserts?
With suburban markets saturated, discount food chains are moving into urban food deserts. While this may be convenient for residents, some are concerned that such stores will do little for local economies.
Great Design Costs Money (And Is Worth It)
A new pedestrian bridge, recently opened near a BART station in the San Francisco Bay Area, is an example of why the high price of good design can sometimes be worth it.
Policing 'Gutter Punks' in San Francisco
Heather Mac Donald defends a contentious law, spurred by frustration over migratory youths in Haight-Ashbury, that would ban sitting or lying on city sidewalks between 7 AM and 11 PM.
What Good is Public Art?
San Diego's mayor has announced he's recommending the city pull the plug on art funding for the time being, triggering a debate over the role of public art in society.
Pagination
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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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