A bill passed by the state senate would ease the permitting process for office conversions in central city neighborhoods.

A California law that would fast-track the adaptive reuse of office buildings was passed by the state Senate and awaits Governor Newsom’s signature, reports Jack Rogers for Globe St.
The measure mandates by-right approval for office conversion projects in city centers. “Under AB 3068, adaptive reuse projects will be eligible for a streamlined, ministerial review process, regardless of the zoning of the site, provided that at least half of the square footage of the project is dedicated to residential uses, according to a posting of the bill on CalMatters.”
The bill exempts adaptive reuse projects in “urbanized areas” from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reviews and sets affordability requirements for housing units created under the program. It also requires the preservation of historic facades.
“While the demand for living downtown is at an all-time high, many urban centers simply lack the available housing. If we are serious about jump-starting the economic engine of our cities, we need to remove the red tape that makes office to housing conversions nearly impossible,” said Matt Haney, the assembly member who authored the bill.
FULL STORY: California to Fast-Track Downtown Office Conversions

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.

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

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions