Out of concern that L.A.'s downtown properties are not being put to the highest and best use, the City Councilman representing the district has "quietly authored" a motion to incentivize density and place a moratorium on low-rise development.
Is Los Angeles missing out on a golden opportunity to build a dense downtown? That's the motivation behind a motion filed by 14th District City Councilman José Huizar's last month "that would incentivize high-rise building and also put a moratorium on low-rise construction in key areas," reports Eddie Kim. Among the incentives proposed are expedited reviews and reduced parking requirements.
“If we’re looking at Downtown in terms of its longevity as an economic engine, it’s clear we need to build bigger hotels and residential projects,” said Huizar spokesman Rock Coca. “The problem we’re having right now is that if low-rises go up, they’re not getting maximum efficiency out of the space. And then they’re around for decades.”
"Most experts agree that upping density in Downtown, especially in light of growing public transportation and infrastructure, is the smartest plan for the long term," adds Kim. "However, some fear that outlawing certain types of construction, even temporarily, could turn off developers entirely instead of inspiring them."
FULL STORY: Huizar Motion Would Prohibit Low-Rise Buildings in Parts of Downtown

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

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

Map: Where Senate Republicans Want to Sell Your Public Lands
For public land advocates, the Senate Republicans’ proposal to sell millions of acres of public land in the West is “the biggest fight of their careers.”

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.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

California Homeless Arrests, Citations Spike After Ruling
An investigation reveals that anti-homeless actions increased up to 500% after Grants Pass v. Johnson — even in cities claiming no policy change.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)