Southern California Association of Governments

Federal Court Dismisses Huntington Beach Housing Lawsuit
A federal judge on November 13 dismissed a lawsuit the Orange County city filed against the state and the Southern California Association of Governments in March in an attempt to exempt itself from state housing laws.

Some Santa Monica City Councilmembers Unhappy With Housing Element Update
Local leaders are challenging state-mandated affordable housing requirements for the 2021-2029 cycle.

Pasadena Being Held to its Regional Housing Needs Assessment
The city of Pasadena, known for innovative planning approaches to parking and transit-oriented development, is in a pitched battle with regional authorities over how much housing to build in the coming decade.

Regional Planning Paradigm Shift in Southern California
The Southern California Association of Governments, in response to new mandates from the state, has adopted a radical new approach to housing requirements in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

Opinion: Regional Planning Fails the Needs of Southern California's Housing Crisis
The director of a leading "Yes In My Backyard" (YIMBY) organization in Southern California questions the effectiveness of a Regional Housing Needs Assessment methodology recently published by the Southern California Association of Governments.

Governor Calls for 1.3 Million New Homes in Southern California
Local governments in Southern California have chafed at a call from Governor Gavin Newsom for 1.3 million new homes over the next decade. The Southern California Association of Governments has proposed only 430,000.

Report: Modest Congestion Charge Would Produce Dramatic Results in Los Angeles
Applying a cordon toll as low as $4 in Los Angeles would result in a 20% reduction in traffic congestion and modest increases in transit ridership, walking, and biking, according to a new study from the Southern California Association of Governments.

Bill Introduced to Allow California Cities to Pursue Congestion Pricing
Four cities could charge tolls for drivers to enter congested parts of their cities if an assembly bill introduced by Richard Bloom last month becomes law.

Southern California's Declining Transit Ridership, Explained
More Southern Californians are purchasing motor vehicles, particularly those who were previously transit-dependent, which largely explains the region's declining transit ridership, according to a newly released study.

Op-Ed: Given the Chance, Congestion Pricing Would Ease America's Traffic Woes
Amanda Eaken offers up a defense of "Go Zones," otherwise known as congestion pricing. In Los Angeles and elsewhere, she argues, they could thin out traffic.

Los Angeles Could Charge Non-Residents to Drive in Congested Areas
If this solution from a regional planning agency gains traction, New York City may have some competition to become the first American city to implement congestion pricing.

Housing Density a Missing Link for Emissions Reductions in California
Emissions from electricity generation are decreasing while those from transportation are increasing. If communities don't increase housing density to change travel patterns, it will only get worse, but the challenges may be insurmountable.

Another Attempt at California's By-Right Affordable Housing Proposal
The new streamlining bill for affordable housing will not have the governor's name, but that of freshman Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener, who made a name for himself as a tenacious housing advocate while San Francisco County Supervisor.
Southern California Association of Governments Stalling on CEQA Reform
One of the largest, most influential regional governments in the state has asked for exemptions from changes to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) that will measure Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) instead of Level of Service (LOS).
Proposed Santa Ana Branch Light Rail Would Connect Downtown Los Angeles and Artesia
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is exploring alignments for a new light rail line.
Monumental Regional Plan for Southern California Gets Final Approval
As the largest council of governments in the country adopts a $525 billion transportation and land use plan for the next two decades, Josh Stephens marks the beginning of Southern California's age of climate-friendly, smart-growth regionalism.
Southern CA MPO Snubs Air Board By Reducing Emissions Targets
The Southern California Association of Governments rebuffed the CA Air Resources Board by deliberately setting lower targets for greenhouse gas emissions per SB 375, the 2008 law intended to reduce GHG emissions from transportation.
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Planning for Universal Design
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