From increasing riverside parks to removing the concrete riverbed, many ideas for improving the Los Angeles River have been simmering for years. This radio report introduces many in the city who are calling on planners to revive the forgotten river.
The 52-mile long river that snakes its way through one of the densest urban areas in the nation has long been overlooked in the city of Los Angeles. But there has been a push in recent years to revive the river and improve the areas along its banks. Many see the river as a golden opportunity for mixed-use and recreational development, but prohibitive costs and the danger of flooding are hurdles in the way.
An excerpt of the audio:
"PHILIP FRANCO: 'We're in the desert. We need this water.'
ERIC CRAWFORD: 'Could there ultimately be cafes on the L.A. River where you just have a glass of wine?'
PHILIP FRANCO: 'Maybe taco trucks certain parts of the day.' (Laughter)
REPORTER ILSA SETZIOL: 'In fact, many Angelinos now want a lot from this river: more parks, cleaner water, a fix for neglected neighborhoods, and a healthier inner city.' "
FULL STORY: Remaking the Los Angeles River

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie