This week, San Diego's City Council voted to resurrect the city's moribund Planning Department. A government-wide reorganization and energized leadership seem certain to ensure the department won't become a zombie.
After a two year absence (that seemed much longer), "the [San Diego] City Council approved a sweeping reorganization plan that once again includes a stand-alone Planning Department," reports Roger Showley. "Under the new setup, about 120 employees, most currently housed in the Development Services Department, will shift to [Planing Director Bill] Fulton, although formal transfer awaits passage of an ordinance in a few weeks in conformance with the city charter."
"We will restore long-range community planning to its rightful place as an important component for city business," Fulton said.
At Voice of San Diego, Andrew Keatts details the new organizational structure, which impacts much of the city government. "The biggest part of the reorganization might be the reintroduction of three deputy chief operating officers, each in charge of a different group of city functions — infrastructure and public works, neighborhood services and internal operations."
FULL STORY: Planning lives again at City Hall
Reborn San Diego Planning Department Gets New Director
Mayor Bob Filner's promise to revive San Diego's shuttered planning department became a reality with the announcement of Bill Fulton as its new director. The former mayor and author of the 'definitive guide to California planning' starts on July 8.
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Since the 1980s, California has been both a beacon of cutting-edge urban policy and an example of the ways planning can go awry.
Bill Fulton On What It Will Take to Rebuild San Diego's Planning Department
Bill Fulton, noted Smart Growth advocate and Director of Planning for the City of San Diego, looks to rebuild a department and pass community plans in the wake of San Diego's leadership crisis. In this interview, he describes the path ahead.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion
The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Santa Monica Lowers Speed Limits
Posted speed limits will be reduced by 5 miles per hour on dozens of the city’s streets.
For Some, Co-Housing Offers Social and Economic Benefits
Residents of co-living developments say the built-in community helps ease the growing isolation felt by many Americans.
New Map Puts Bay Area Traffic Data in One Place
The Traffic Monitoring site uses community-collected speed and volume data to reveal traffic patterns on local roads.
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
Caltrans
Los Alamos County
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners