Governor Newsom just signed SB 337, codifying the state's goal to conserve at least 30 percent of California's lands and coastal waters by the year 2030.

California Governor Gavin Newsom just signed numerous bills, including Senate Bill (SB) 337. SB 337 was introduced by Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) to formally establish a statewide goal to conserve at least 30 percent of California’s land and coastal waters by 2030, also known as 30x30. Conserving the Earth’s lands and waters is critical to preventing extinctions and protecting biodiversity and ecosystem services. Protecting lands and waters can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon, helping to advance climate goals.
In October 2020, Governor Newsom signed his Nature Based Solutions Executive Order (EO) N-82-20, elevating the role of natural and working lands in the fight against climate change and advancing biodiversity conservation as an administration priority. As part of this executive order, California is committed to the goal of conserving 30 percent of our lands and coastal waters by 2030. With the signing of SB 337, this goal has now been codified.
California’s 30x30 initiative is part of an international movement to conserve natural areas across the planet, through which scores of countries have established their own 30x30 commitments. California’s initiative seeks to protect and restore biodiversity, expand access to nature, and mitigate and build resilience to climate change.
FULL STORY: Governor Newsom Issues Legislative Update 10.7.23

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.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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)