A proposal in the city council could bring the ‘superblock’ model to Los Angeles, opening up neighborhood streets to more biking, walking, and public amenities.

Inspired by Barcelona’s “superblocks,” Los Angeles City Councilman Kevin de León is proposing a similar concept for his city, according to an article in The Real Deal. If approved by the council, the “Park Blocks” pilot program would close some streets to cars to encourage more walking and biking and reduce pollution.
“In Barcelona, Spain, superblocks were created in 2016 by blocking off traffic within a multi-block area to allow as much as 70 percent of streets to be used as public space. This created green hubs and squares, allowing pedestrians to stroll, and local businesses to thrive.” De León says the idea could bring more green spaces to park-poor L.A. neighborhoods, help capture stormwater, and reduce pedestrian deaths.
The proposal comes at a time when traffic deaths spiked by 20 percent in one year in spite of the city’s Vision Zero commitments. The plan needs approval from the city council’s transportation committee before moving on to the full council.
FULL STORY: “Park block” model would close some LA streets to traffic

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.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Detroit Says Problems With Property Tax Assessments are Fixed. Advocates Disagree.
With higher-valued properties under assessed and lower-valued properties over assessed, advocates say there's still a problem with Detroit's property tax system.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont