Funds will be used to support water, wildfire prevention, environmental, and park projects, reflecting strong public support for climate resilience.

California voters have approved Proposition 4, a $10 billion bond measure focused on financing projects to bolster the state’s climate resilience and environmental health. This landmark measure dedicates $3.8 billion toward water initiatives, including efforts for safe drinking water, water recycling, groundwater storage, and flood management. Additionally, the bond sets aside $1.5 billion for wildfire prevention and $1.2 billion for protecting coastal areas from rising sea levels. The proposition also directs funds toward creating parks, wildlife habitat protection, air quality improvements, extreme heat mitigation, and support for sustainable agriculture.
As reported by Melody Petersen, the measure garnered significant support from environmental groups, social justice organizations, labor unions, and renewable energy industries, all of whom advocated for the bond as a critical investment in California’s future. Liz Forsburg Pardi, the California policy director at the Nature Conservancy, expressed gratitude for voter approval, stating it reflects a strong commitment to climate resilience. Proponents argue that these projects will help prevent the devastating impacts of environmental disasters like wildfires and erosion, which are predicted to worsen as climate change progresses.
While widely supported, the bond measure also faced opposition from taxpayer groups like the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, which argued that funding these projects through bonds would ultimately cost the state more in interest payments. According to the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the bond will cost taxpayers $400 million annually over the next 40 years, totaling $16 billion. Critics contend that the state could have pursued more fiscally responsible funding alternatives, yet the measure’s passage indicates voters’ prioritization of environmental sustainability over concerns about debt.
FULL STORY: California voters approve Proposition 4, the bond measure for water and environmental projects

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie