A new report from the NRDC and Move LA documents the implementation of California's landmark SB 375, the nation’s first law to link transportation and land use planning with greenhouse gas emissions.
Kaid Benfield traces the history of the pioneering legislation, which was passed in 2008 with contributions and support "from a diverse collection of commercial, real estate, government, housing and environmental interests [including the NRDC]," and provides a summary of the progress made in implementing the law over the past four years, as outlined in the report.
"Today," says Benfield, "the law is being implemented: three of California's four
largest major metropolitan regions – Southern California, Sacramento,
and San Diego – have adopted their plans, called sustainable communities
strategies, technically parts of their transportation plans..."
"The report finds much to praise in the new plans:
'As intended by SB 375, each region created its own tailored mix
of land use decisions, transportation investments, and policies to
achieve its target. These sustainable community strategies lay the
foundation for smarter, more efficient growth and much healthier
communities, while setting a high benchmark for the rest of California's
regions."'
The report, titled The Bold Plans for California Communities, doesn't just look backwards, as Benfield notes, it "includes a number of policy recommendations to help ensure effective implementation of the new community strategies."
FULL STORY: How California is planning growth for a prosperous economy and clean environment
Monumental Regional Plan for Southern California Gets Final Approval
As the largest council of governments in the country adopts a $525 billion transportation and land use plan for the next two decades, Josh Stephens marks the beginning of Southern California's age of climate-friendly, smart-growth regionalism.
Regional Government Reform on the Ballot in Houston
If Proposition B passes, Houston and other populous areas could gain more voting power in the region’s metropolitan planning organization.
L.A. County's Regional Planning Commission Celebrates 100 Years of Service
The first planning commissioners were appointed by the Board of Supervisors in 1923, making the Regional Planning Commission the oldest county planning commission in the United States.
Eugene Ends Parking Minimums
In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.
How Paris, Texas Became a ‘Unicorn’ for Rural Transit
A robust coalition of advocates in the town of 25,000 brought together the funding and resources to launch a popular bus service that some residents see as a mobility lifeline—and a social club.
San Diegans at Odds Over ‘Granny Towers’
A provision in the city’s ADU ordinance allows developers to build an essentially unlimited number of units on single-family lots.
San Francisco Approves Zoning Reforms to Avoid ‘Builder’s Remedy’
The county board of supervisors voted to approve zoning changes that bring it closer to compliance with state housing mandates.
Where Are Millennials Moving to?
As the housing crisis rages on, four U.S. states are seeing high levels of new migration from young and middle-aged workers.
California Cities Cite Historic Preservation to Block Development
Are some cities using historic designations disingenuously?
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Park City Municipal Corporation
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
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.
