A well-intentioned new bill that could nudge food trucks out of huge swaths of territory now faces backlash, explains Jonathan Kauffman.
California Assemblymember Bill Monning (D-Carmel) introduced a bill last Tuesday that would prevent food trucks from setting up shop within 1,500 feet of any school. AB 1678, intended as part of an effort to create a healthier eating environment for school children, resembles an existing ordinance in San Francisco.
But there are some important differences that have big-city officials and entrepreneurs up in arms. Unlike the Bay Area ordinance, Monning's bill bans food trucks near elementary schools as well as middle and high schools. "That doesn't make any sense," said San Francisco Supervisor Scott Wiener. "I don't know any elementary schools that allow their students to leave campus for lunch -- and there are many more elementary schools in town." That means that the added provision "would knock out the bulk of the city from having access to food trucks."
Critics have also pointed out that the ban would not apply to fast food outlets.
In response, a food truck advocacy group has brought together restaurateurs and enthusiasts to petition Assemblymember Monning to have a second look at the bill.
FULL STORY: New Food Truck Bill Could Kill S.F.'s Street Food Scene

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