This funding will drive transformative projects across the state, improving access to green spaces, protecting natural ecosystems, and advancing sustainable transportation initiatives.
California has received $360 million from the Biden-Harris Administration to fund critical projects across the state, including the restoration of rivers and habitats, improvement of parks, and investment in clean transportation. This federal support complements the historic investments made by the Newsom Administration, advancing the state’s ambitious agenda for development and environmental stewardship.
Nearly $45 million of the funding will go toward restoring and protecting California’s rivers and aquatic ecosystems. These investments are aimed at enhancing the health of fish and wildlife while promoting broader climate resilience efforts. In addition, $95 million has been awarded by the National Park Service for improvements to parks in underserved communities, marking the largest grant amount ever received by the state through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program. These projects align with California’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to outdoor spaces for all residents.
The remaining $220 million will support clean transportation projects, including a new high-speed rail station in Madera and enhancements along the I-680 corridor. These infrastructure developments, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, are expected to improve transportation options, reduce commute times, and enhance air quality while creating construction jobs and improving safety for California residents.
Study: How Urban Parks Can Support Biodiversity
Conservation and recreation can go hand in hand in urban green spaces designed to serve both humans and local wildlife.
Celebrating California's Biodiversity
This year marks the fifth annual California Biodiversity Day, established in 2018 to celebrate and encourage actions to protect the state’s exceptional biodiversity.
Two years after California reintroduced beavers, they are transforming the landscape into a 'climate-resilient powerhouse'
A beaver restoration program is proving that ancient solutions can help solve modern problems.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project
The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.
Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.
Guerilla urbanists are building DIY bus stop benches in Chicago
A before-and-after of one of the bus stops with a new bench. The new benches are not officially sanctioned or permitted, but the residents who placed them hope they will be the start of a network of DIY benches across the city.
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.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association