A survey of city-owned vacant lots identifies properties that could be developed into affordable housing or shelter.

A group of civic leaders calling itself the Committee for Greater L.A. is using a study it commissioned to urge Los Angeles city leaders to convert city-owned vacant lots into affordable housing or shelters for unhoused people. “The study, conducted by the nonprofit Center for Pacific Urbanism, analyzed variables including slope, zoning and proximity to utilities to winnow down 65,000 parcels owned by city, county, state, federal and other agencies such as Metro and the Los Angeles Unified School District.”
As Doug Smith explains in the Los Angeles Times, “In releasing a database of 126 proposed sites online, the committee sought to keep up pressure on Mayor Karen Bass to follow through on her campaign pledge to build 1,000 beds on public land in her first year in office.” Mayor Bass says “she has her own list of properties and her own,” longer timeline.
A brief Los Angeles Times analysis shows that some of the sites identified in the study have political challenges that were not included in the results, such as local opposition to shelters or ownership by multiple agencies. Even sites owned entirely by the city encounter bureaucratic and financial obstacles. “Public parking lots, which also make up slightly more than half of the committee’s priority list, are often problematic because they serve local businesses and generate revenue for the city.”
The study also acknowledged the potential of privately owned vacant lots, which in some cases are better suited for housing. “Some organizations, such as churches, may be open to using their land for purposes that align with their mission, it said, but made no mention of eminent domain.”
FULL STORY: More than 100 vacant, government-owned parcels in L.A. could be used for housing, study finds

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

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

Supporting Cycling Takes More Than Just Bike Lanes
Safe, protected bike lanes are a key part of a city’s bike infrastructure — but secure parking, e-bike charging, and other amenities can also influence people’s shift to cycling.

Judge Blocks Anti-DEI Rules for Transportation, Housing Grants
A second injunction blocks the Trump administration from enforcing new regulations for federal funding.

Unhoused People in San Jose Could Face Arrest if They Refuse Shelter
A policy proposed by the city’s mayor would give law enforcement the option to arrest homeless residents if they refuse three offers of housing.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)