California

Planners Feeling Tension Between Disruption And Convention

Cultural changes and 'disruptions' created by the 'sharing' economy are challenging planners just as they're challenging their own competitors. Bill Fulton assesses the brave new world that might liberate planners—or befuddle them.

December 2, 2015 - California Planning & Development Report

California's Largest Dam Removal Underway in Monterey County

Even in an epic drought, the long-awaited commencement of the $83 million San Clemente Dam removal project is welcomed as the obsolete dam posed a safety threat to downstream communities and provided very little water due to tremendous silt build-up.

August 11, 2015 - Monterey Herald

A Different Way to Fix California's Affordable Housing Crisis

To fix California’s housing crisis, a statewide mandate is needed that requires 20 percent of all new housing, rental units, and those for sale be set aside for low-income families, according to affordable housing developer Murtaza H. Baxamusa.

July 17, 2015 - UrbDeZine

Better Zoning Codes for Better Quality of Life

As Los Angeles continues the five-year process of re-writing its zoning code for clarity, one Zoning Advisory Committee member considers who should really care.

April 6, 2015 - The Planning Report

La City Hall Cycling

On the Re-Orientation of Los Angeles

Aaron Paley, the man who brought Ciclovia to the United States, wants Los Angeles to be a model for the transition from auto-dependent to car-optional.

March 12, 2015 - The California Sunday Magazine

Ca73

A Pedestrian's Perspective on Sprawling Orange County

Southern California's Orange County isn't exactly known for its walkability. Frank H. Wu decided to test that notion on a recent carless visit.

March 11, 2015 - Huffington Post

Drought

Worst Droughts in a Millennium Predicted for Western United States

Research uncovers more evidence for possibly decades-long droughts. Climate change is the likely culprit in effects that may challenge infrastructure and agricultural output throughout the century.

February 23, 2015 - Slate

Better Bridges: Good for People and for Birds

In a California town, birds are dying, something Daniel Ebuehi attributes in large part to faulty design.

February 10, 2015 - UrbDeZine

Hotel Lobby With Cute Sleeping Child

Popular in 2014: Increasing Transient Occupancy Taxes

Fourteen California municipalities attempted to increase their Transient Occupancy Taxes (TOTs) through ballot measures this November. Why are cities around the state looking to TOTs to increase revenues?

December 8, 2014 - Maayan Dembo

Profiting from a Water Crisis

A growing water crisis in California has become an opportunity for some to cash in. Private firms and landowners that have stored spare water are selling to the highest bidder.

July 8, 2014 - Next City

Greenfield Multi-Family

Supply, Demand, and Affordable Housing

Bill Witte, president of Related California, one of the most active developers of residential and commercial properties on the West Coast, talks about real estate, affordable housing, and a squeezed middle class with The Planning Report.

June 8, 2014 - The Planning Report

California Water Suppliers Respond to Drought and Climate Change

Jeff Kightlinger, General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, details the ongoing preparation and response his regional water agency has championed in the face of the driest calendar year in the state's history.

June 6, 2014 - The Planning Report

FLV California train

California High Speed Rail Update

The San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Center offers good news about California's slow-to-start high speed rail.

May 28, 2014 - SPUR Blog

How are California’s Bullet Train and Affordable Housing Connected?

California Gov. Brown’s support of high speed rail contrasts sharply with his gutting of affordable housing. Michael Russell, real estate developer and advisor, reviews pending bills and potential fixes for affordable housing.

May 27, 2014 - UrbDeZine

California to Move Its 'Parks Forward'

"Parks Forward," a report authored by an independent commission, takes an honest look at the challenges facing California State Parks and Recreation Department and provides recommendations for a parks reform in California.

May 2, 2014 - Los Angeles Times

Development Still Granted Water During California Drought

Urban water systems generally aren't responding to the California drought by suspending new water connections, as they did in past drought years like 1991. What are the implications?

March 30, 2014 - California Planning & Development Report

Economic Development in a Post-Redevelopment California

Larry Kosmont, CRE, President and CEO of Kosmont Companies, spoke with The Planning Report about tools for creating economic development in California without redevelopment agencies and traditional tax increment financing.

March 18, 2014 - The Planning Report

Traversing the Border: Planning with Transnational Communities

Transnational communities transcend borders in order to act collectively, despite geographic, economic and political challenges. A new paper examines how community-based planning is scaled up and embedded in transnational processes and relationships.

November 27, 2013 - JPER

15 Years and $820 Million Later, Caltrans Finishes Massive I-80 Rebuilding Project

After spending $820 million over fifteen years to rebuild 423 lane-miles along Interstate 80 from Auburn to the Nevada state border, Caltrans is finally done with the road project.

October 7, 2013 - Sacramento Bee

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.

September 26, 2013 - The Planning Report

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

Transportation Planner I

KFH Group Inc.

Director, Strategy and Research

Greater Baltimore Committee

Senior Planner

Eagle County Government

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.