With fewer staff members to cover the workload, L.A. is redefining planners' roles, including a change that will make planners more community-focused and less centralized.
Mitch Mezner writes, "Cases will be assigned to a Geographic Division based on the location of the project. For example, a project located in Westwood would be assigned to the West Harbor Geographic Division and the Westside Subgeographic Section. By organizing around geographic regions, the Planning Department expects planners to gain a breadth and depth of knowledge about a particular community, which it believes will ensure high-quality, localized project review in all regions."
Mezner says the change is supposed to eliminate redundancies from the past where multiple planners would be required to weigh in on the same project.
FULL STORY: L.A. City Planning Reorganization Is 'Game Changing'

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.
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