Los Angeles
Regional Connector Transit Project in High Gear for Los Angeles
The Regional Connector, a light rail improvement project in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, is one of the closest watched transit projects in the country. The federal government recently allocated a $670 million grant for the project.
Los Angles Launching First Bicycle Friendly Business District
Coming soon to Northeast Los Angeles: a "Bicycle Friendly Business District." The Northeast Los Angeles pilot project is expected to clear the way for a citywide program in 2015-16.
Upwardly Mobile Latinos and 'Gente-fication'
Around the country, highly educated, upwardly mobile Latinos are choosing urban settings in traditionally Latino neighborhoods over the suburbs. The effects of "gente-fication" ("gente" is Spanish for "people") are distinct from gentrification.
Pedestrian Infrastructure in LA Neighborhood a Study in Contrasts
In Los Angeles’s Boyle Heights neighborhood, some locals are benefiting from public-space improvements as part of the Eastside Access project. But many nearby streets and sidewalks are sorely neglected.
Venice Beach Plan Would Avoid Coastal Commission Controls
When residents and business owners in the coastal neighborhood of Venice in Los Angeles want to develop, they require approvals from the state's Coastal Commission and the city. A proposed coastal program could remove the state from the equation.
In "Her," the L.A. of the Future Speaks to Some of Today's Anxieties
In his latest film, “Her,” Spike Jonze presents a one-of-a-kind vision of L.A.'s future.
Los Angeles Planning Its First Roundabout
Traffic engineers in the Los Angeles Department of Transportation are finalizing plans for a roundabout in the neighborhood of Boyle Heights at a notorious intersection known as Cinco Puntos.
Pedestrian Safety Becomes a National Issue
With people young and old embracing urban lifestyles and cities working to create more walkable environments, pedestrian safety is a growing concern across the U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has embraced the issue as a priority.
Congress Pressing to Mitigate L.A.'s Helicopter Noise
Los Angeles congressional representatives are leveraging the federal appropriations bill to advance legislation requiring the U.S. DOT and the FAA to develop ways to lessen the impact of helicopter noise on residential neighborhoods.
L.A. Developing Big Plans to Prepare for the "Big One"
Nearing the 20th anniversary of the last large earthquake to strike the L.A. region, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced a year-long effort to identify ways to protect the city's vulnerable buildings and critical infrastructure from the next rumbler.
What Villaraigosa’s Los Angeles Can Teach de Blasio’s New York
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio enters office with strong progressive credentials, similar to those of Los Angeles’ recently-termed-out Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Can New York find lessons from the Los Angeles political experience?
New Fault Maps Might Mean an Unhappy Ending for Hollywood Developments
New fault maps could change the game for developments in Hollywood and nearby neighborhoods according to a 1972 law known as Alquist-Priolo Act, which forbids building directly atop active earthquake faults capable of rupturing the surface.
New Report Rips Los Angeles for Lack of Leadership, Vision
The Los Angeles 2020 Commission released a report that presents a scathing portrayal of Los Angeles, including a section on the city’s broken planning process.
White House Makes $500 Million Promise to Lift L.A. Out of Poverty
One of the Obama administration's most promising anti-poverty initiatives will marshal federal grants and expertise from numerous agencies to improve infrastructure, services and opportunities across a wide swath of Los Angeles.
L.A. Leaders Play Politics with Pedestrian Infrastructure
A $3-billion street repair bond measure being drafted for the November ballot reflects L.A.'s traditional preference for automobiles over other modes of transport. Pedestrian advocates are fighting to fund sidewalk repairs. Will the pols listen?
L.A. Police Prioritize Penalizing Pedestrians
By expanding its transit and cycling infrastructure and creating pedestrian-friendly streets, L.A. is improving access to alternative forms of transportation. But in the city's most walkable area, police are out to prove the car is still king.
2013 Started a New Chapter in L.A.'s Story
Will 2013 be remembered as the year that Los Angeles embraced a new urban identity? Cultural, political, and planning and design-related events over the past year seem to suggest the city is experiencing "an urban reawakening".
To Beat the Heat, L.A. Mandates Cool Roofs
In case you haven't heard, L.A. gets a lot of sun. While this is great for getting a tan, it presents a challenge for mitigating the heat island effect and rising temperatures. New legislation requires that the roofs of new homes help beat the heat.
Developers Target Ultra-Luxury Renters in Los Angeles
In a city known for luxuriously appointed and boldly designed single-family homes, an unlikely market for super-deluxe residences is growing. "Over-the-top" apartments attract residents who want an urban lifestyle without a long-term commitment.
Exhibit Celebrates Supergraphics Pioneer
Designer Deborah Sussman was drawn to Los Angeles in 1953 by an opportunity to work in the studio of Charles and Ray Eames. Over the next sixty years, she helped to define how residents and others see the city. A new exhibit chronicles her work.
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.
Borough of Carlisle
Smith Gee Studio
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
