When one geologist says not to build, developers find another geologist that says everything is fine.
"The Alquist-Priolo Act relies on developers and their hired experts to assess seismic risks, and on local officials to ensure that everything is aboveboard. Some cities thoroughly review geologists' reports, but others lack the interest or the expertise... Early drafts of the law provided for rigorous state oversight of development in active earthquake zones and strict guidelines for determining whether a site was safe for building. Real estate interests lobbied hard against those provisions. Geologists also objected, complaining that the law would leave them vulnerable to lawsuits. Legislators removed the tough oversight language."
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: Fault Lines in Law Leave Homes on Shaky Ground

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
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