Analysis of the 2000 census indicates that the most crowded communities in California are desolate rural towns.
Lost Hills has no city hall, no police, and no street lights. Located in the San Joaquin Valley, it is the most crowded town in California. Most of the crowded towns like this are packed with Latino farm workers. Crowding in CA has doubled between 1980 and 1990 primarily due to the passage of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and state regulations tightening enforcement on migrant housing codes. These rural outposts reflect third world conditions.
Thanks to Gwenn Hilburn
FULL STORY: Crowded Living in California's Open Spaces
![Large Walmart store with empty parking lot.](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_576876808_Editorial_Use_Only.jpeg.webp?itok=a3vfU2ia 1200w,
/files/styles/large/public/images/AdobeStock_576876808_Editorial_Use_Only.jpeg.webp?itok=_yciQPNA 992w)
How Smaller Supermarkets Could Transform American Communities
Bigger is not always better.
![Large brutalist building and skyscrapers viewed from middle of wide street in downtown Houston, Texas.](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_346317761.jpeg.webp?itok=ZeLSDRi- 1200w,
/files/styles/large/public/images/AdobeStock_346317761.jpeg.webp?itok=jeH7XXD4 992w)
Research Links Urban Design and Human Happiness
An emerging field of ‘neuroarchitectural’ research is revealing how building facades and urban design impact the human brain and body.
![Pedestrians in a busy city intersection with a cirty bus passing behind them.](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_544111801_0.jpeg.webp?itok=o_mohrHQ 1200w,
/files/styles/large/public/images/AdobeStock_544111801_0.jpeg.webp?itok=EGfcOgFD 992w)
Save Lives on Our Roads Using the Safe System Approach
Prioritizing safety and committing to the SSA framework can make a big impact in the effort to reduce traffic fatalities.
![Sun seen through red wildfire sky and smoke.](
/files/styles/large/public/images/AdobeStock_1164648221.jpeg.webp?itok=IMZ0FqJa 992w,
/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_1164648221.jpeg.webp?itok=CjlxkEDL 400w
)
Key Climate and Health Issues to Watch in 2025
The escalating health impacts of climate change, from extreme heat to sea level rise, highlight the urgent need for integrated medical education, proactive communication, and sustainable policy solutions to protect public health.
!["Danger Extreme Fire Hazard" sign on street sign post below "No Parking" sign.](
/files/styles/large/public/images/AdobeStock_501025448.jpeg.webp?itok=T4zmySXx 992w,
/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_501025448.jpeg.webp?itok=v2DFKZk2 400w
)
Rising Temperatures and the Escalating Wildfire Crisis
Rising global temperatures driven by climate change are intensifying and prolonging wildfire seasons worldwide, necessitating improved forest management, public awareness, and urgent action to reduce fossil fuel emissions.
![Minneapolis, Minnesota skyline with river and bridge in foreground.](
/files/styles/large/public/images/AdobeStock_168227585.jpeg.webp?itok=Oz4FafRr 992w,
/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_168227585.jpeg.webp?itok=TR6t881E 400w
)
Looking Back on 60 Years of Land Development in the Twin Cities
In 1960, about 12 percent of the Twin Cities metro's land was already developed. By 2020, about 34 percent had been developed. Many factors influenced how the region has changed since 1960.
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.
City of Oxford
Caltrans - District 7
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport