Looking Back to Find the Future of San Diego

An advocacy group is republishing the 1974 regional plan for sustainability, and finding that it's just as relevant now as it was then.

1 minute read

June 13, 2018, 8:00 AM PDT

By Katharine Jose


San Diego Gaslamp District

f11photo / Shutterstock

Almost 35 years ago, two MIT professors conducted a study on the city of San Diego, eventually releasing an analysis and long-range plan titled "Temporary Paradise?" Today, the group Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 plans to re-release it with additional essays from academics and plannersincluding Bruce Applewood, the son of one of the original authors.

Recently, Applewood spoke to Bisnow about how the plan is "as relevant today as it was when it came out."

While most planning exercises are either driven by highly local interests or disciplinary silos (such as our regional transportation plans), this document is unique in that it provides a comprehensive regional vision showing how everything is connected through an environmental quality and urban design lens.

According to Roger Showley of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the new edition was originally supposed to come out during the 2016 presidential elections, but the current administration's "priorities on border security, immigration and other issues make the document’s viewpoint even more timely."

Thursday, June 7, 2018 in Bisnow

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City