Homeowners groups use their influence to extract payments and concessions in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is home to a host of groups advocating for homeowners, and these groups use their money and political influence to push developers to make the kind of developments the homeowners want to see, according to in-depth reporting from Hillel Aron in LA Weekly. Such deals can involve curbing the size of development, increasing parking, and exacting payments to these groups from developers, according to Aron. The details of these negotiation are not made public, so it's not possible to track exactly what concessions or dollars these groups are able to extract, or what developments they're able to stop.
"'Essentially, [homeowner groups] shake down developers for private settlements,' says one land-use consultant, who asked not to be named to preserve the ability to negotiate with homeowner associations," Aron reports.
FULL STORY: How a Few Wealthy Homeowners Are Making Secret Deals to Halt Development in L.A.
Opinion: L.A. Parking Requirements Need Serious Revamp
Los Angeles has a parking problem—namely, too much of it—caused by minimum parking requirements.
Dallas Ditches Parking Minimums in 14-1 Vote
The sweeping city council decision removes set parking requirements from developments downtown, near transit, small businesses and more.
High Housing Costs Driving Down Transit Ridership in LA
When neighborhoods gentrify and displace lower-income residents, transit ridership suffers, new research shows.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Good Cause Eviction Policies Don’t Hamper Construction, New Research Shows. Legislators Are Still Concerned.
Multiple states have ongoing pushes for good cause eviction protections. A frequent obstacle: a now disproven claim by developers.
Demise of Entertainment Industry Mirrors Demise of Housing in LA
Making movies has a lot in common with developing real estate: producers = developers; screenwriters = architects; directors = general contractors. The similarities are more than trivial. Both industries are now hurting in L.A.
How Public Spaces Exclude Teen Girls
Adolescent girls face unique challenges and concerns when navigating public spaces. We can design cities with their needs in mind.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)