Measure S and an oddly timed election brought planning and development to the center of the public consciousness in Los Angeles for a few months. The voters resoundingly supported one side of the issue.
[Updated 3/9/2017] Emily Alpert Reyes, Ben Poston, and David Zahniser report on the demise of Measure S, the controversial and hard-fought ballot initiative that would have halted general plan amendments and, along with them, much of the approved construction around the city of Los Angeles.
"As of midnight, returns showed Measure S going down to defeat by a 2-1 margin, with more than half of precincts reporting," according to the article, so the margin of victory was substantial. Thus, the article also declares a winner in the campaign's "referendum on urbanist dreams of a denser, taller Los Angeles, bemoaned by critics as the 'Manhattanization' of L.A."
A separate article by Dakota Smith, Matt Stevens, Ben Poston, and Doug Smith frames the election as a victory for the status quo.
Finally, Jenna Chandler provides additional coverage of the Measure S vote, including an updated vote tally that brings the score to 68.85 percent voting no on S, and 31.15 voting yes on S.
FULL STORY: Measure S defeated after a heated, costly battle over future L.A. development
The Case Against the Los Angeles 'Neighborhood Integrity Initiative'
The dust from the November election is far from settled, but Los Angeles is already headed back to the ballot box in March. The big ticket item for planning in the city: Measure S, also known as the Neighborhood Integrity Initiative.
Public Outcry Greets Plan to Connect L.A. to Pasadena via Bus Rapid Transit
Voters might have approved transit funding multiple measures by wide margins in Los Angeles County in recent years, but actual project proposals still have trouble appealing at the hyper-local level.
New Hollywood Community Plan Draft Released
One of the most controversial community planning documents in Los Angeles history was approved by the city in 2012 and thrown out by a judge in 2013. The new draft environmental impact report for the plan is now publicly available.
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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie