Government / Politics
Another Anti-Development Measure to Face Voters in Southern California
This time, the scene of the anti-development ire is Santa Monica, where local advocates have qualified for the November ballot on initiative requiring a vote for any project building beyond the zoning code.
Housing Initiatives to Appear on Northern and Southern California Ballots in November
Last week the Los Angeles City Council and Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved housing initiatives. "Build Better LA" requires large developments to have affordable units. Silicon Valley voters will vote on a $950 million housing bond.
Legislation Advanced to Release State Funding for Caltrain Electrification
As a result of a critical lawsuit that California high-speed rail opponents lost last March, a bill to release $1.1 billion in 2008 bond funds has been advanced to fund high-speed rail 'bookend' projects, particularly Caltrain electrification.
Who Does Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s New Funding Plan Leave Out?
If the Metro Board passes the proposed $40 billion expenditure plan, millions of Los Angeles residents will still not have access to good public transit for decades.
California Road Charge Pilot Launches July 1; Gas Tax Increase Still Needed
Two notable transportation developments occur in California on July 1. First, a pilot road charge program begins—5,000 motorists will be charged by the mile driven. Second, the gas tax drops by 2.2 cents. An analysis by ITEP looks at both.
Court Ruling Overthrows Obama Administration's Fracking Regulations
Opponents of federal oversight rejoice: a ruling by U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl reiterates the limitations of the federal government to regulate fracking.
Voters to Decide Future of San Francisco Homeless Tent Encampments
Unable to pass the measure themselves, four San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved a ballot measure for November that would let voters decide on the removal of tent encampments in the city providing that housing is offered.
Orange County Fire Chief on Southern California's Year-Round Fire Season
California has suffered at least 700 wildfires since the beginning of 2016, and that number is only expected to rise this summer. Orange County Fire Chief Jeff Bowman explains what California must do to combat unprecedented risks.
What a Conference for YIMBYs Looks Like
The advocacy group Better Boulder held the YIMBY 2016 conference earlier this month.
Op-Ed: The Texas Miracle Won't Last
As economic migration continues to swell its population, Texas has been heralded by some as a new California. But Johnny Sanphillippo argues that the Lone Star State's boom just isn't sustainable.
Eminent Domain for Preservation? It's Possible for Palo Alto Mobile Home Park
The city of Palo Alto, the county of Santa Clara, and the Housing Authority of Santa Clara County have joined forces to acquire the 4.5 acre Buena Vista Mobile Home Park, thus saving 117 low-income families from eviction.
Oakland Gets a Department of Transportation
Oakland's new DOT will take a "complete streets" approach to transportation planning.
Cincinnati Streetcar Exempt from Open Records Law
The Cincinnati Business Courier reports on the local effect of a long-standing state law.
Boston-Uber Data Partnership Falling Short of Expectations
A data-sharing partnership announced in January 2015 has so far produced underwhelming results.
Planetizen Week in Review: June 17, 2016
A two-minute-and-twenty-three-second tour of the news and events from the week in planning.
More Bad News for Coal: U.S. Supreme Court Won't Block Mercury Emissions Rule
For a second time, the U.S. Supreme Court chose not to hear from 20 states that sought to block implementation of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rule on mercury and air toxins that largely affects coal-fired power plants and public health.
Comparing Property Tax Rates for 100 U.S. Cities
The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy has released its annual comparison of property tax rates around the country, adding new wrinkles of analysis for this year's edition.
State Bill Could Spread the Supertall Buildings Around New York
A package of bills making their way through the New York State Legislature could usher in an era of new height in parts of New York City.
Why It Makes Sense for Developers to Go to the Ballot Box in California
It may seem understandable for developers to resort to the ballot box after encountering difficulty with a planning commission or city council, but in California it makes sense even for cities like Moreno Valley that are friendly to new development.
Lessons learned in an earthquake's aftermath
The response to Ecuador's 7.8-magnitude earthquake went beyond just physically rebuilding the hardest hit cities
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
