California
Beverly Hills Installs First ‘Green Street’
A three-block median featuring native plants and bioswales is part of the city’s broader effort to reduce water consumption and pollution.
Experiencing California's Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve
Located in the western Mojave Desert, this stunning state natural reserve is renowned for its breathtaking displays of California poppies and has even been referred to as California's most beautiful place.
Planning for Trees in Los Angeles
The County and City of Los Angeles are working together on community engagement efforts for their Urban Forest Management Plans (UFMPs).
Enhancing Public Services to LA's Unincorporated Areas
The County of Los Angeles recently launched a website to better connect residents of unincorporated areas to information and municipal services offered by the county.
The Importance of Botanical Gardens
Southern California is home to some of the best botanical gardens around. TimeOut just released its list of the top Japanese and botanical gardens, mansion and institution gardens, and urban and hidden gardens.
Florida Is the Deadliest State for Cyclists
Seven of the 10 U.S. counties with the highest cyclist fatality rates are located in Florida, new analysis shows.
Billboard Highlights LA’s Pedestrian Safety Crisis
According to road safety advocates, more pedestrians died on one Los Angeles street than in the entire state of Vermont in 2022.
LA’s Mobility Plan Implementation Faces Opposition
The city’s firefighters’ union claims that bike and bus lanes would slow response times and impede access for first responders.
Los Angeles Transit Ridership Grew in 2023
Metro attributes the growth to new destinations, added security, and a streamlined train system.
TOD Opportunities Around America's First True High-Speed Rail Line
Brightline West hopes to break ground, in anticipation of a 2027 opening. Cities in the Inland Empire and High Desert areas of Southern California are looking to take advantage.
California Issues Complete Streets Guidelines
The new guidelines are a start, but will local districts enforce them?
California Officials Propose Changes to Freeway ‘Airspace’ Storage Program
Since a November fire in Los Angeles, city officials have found more than three-quarters of leased freeway-adjacent properties visited so far fail their inspection.
California Daylighting Law Bans Parking Near Crosswalks
Limiting parking within 20 feet of intersections improves visibility and reduces collisions with pedestrians.
LA’s Mobility Plan Implementation Up to Voters
A measure on the local ballot in March could force the city to implement its own mobility plan, which city officials call “a guide, not a mandate.”
California Commission Approves Freeway Expansion
The state Transportation Commission ultimately voted to move a controversial Inland Empire interstate project forward.
The Point-in-Time Homelessness Count, Explained
Each year, cities across the nation undertake a massive effort to physically count their unhoused residents.
Storms Sever California Rail Line—Again
The coast-hugging rail corridor linking Los Angeles and San Diego faces an uncertain future as mudslides once again force part of the line to close.
Berkeley Bus Bench Activists Shame City Into Action
Two residents are building and placing wooden benches at bus stops that lack seating. The city has replaced at least one with a permanent bench.
Judge Halts Permits for Beverly Hills Home Renovations Over Lack of Affordable Housing
The city is two years late in developing a housing plan that is compliant with state laws.
California Housing Advocates Closely Watching Bay Area Rezoning Deadline
California’s reaction to cities that fail to submit compliant zoning plans could reverberate across the state as other regions near their deadlines.
Pagination
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.