California
High-Speed Rail Not the Only Massive Public Works Project on the Chopping Block
California Governor Gavin Newsom wants to reduce the size of the $17 billion WaterFix project that plans for two tunnels under the San Joaquin-Sacramento River Delta.
Gov. Gavin Newsom to Dramatically Downsize High-Speed Rail Project
The San Francisco-to-Los Angeles bullet train may have to be renamed the Central Valley High-Speed Train according to the announcement by the new governor in his first state-of-the-state address.
Cheaper, Easier Affordable Housing Development Proposed in San Francisco
San Francisco Mayor London Breed is proposing major reforms of the permitting process for affordable housing and accessory dwelling unit projects in the city. The idea is that cheaper projects are much easier to build.
Oregon Democrats Unveil Cap-and-Trade Bill
A new bill in the Oregon Legislature, technically called a "legislative concept," would set up a California-style cap-and-trade program, calling for steep greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2035 and 2050.
Warming to Transit Oriented Development in San Francisco
A new survey finds growing support for transit oriented development among San Francisco residents.
Homeless People No Longer Prohibited From Living in Cars in San Diego
Until last week, it was illegal to live in a car in San Diego.
Economic Independence or Auto Dependency?
A new study calls for "universal auto access" to combat poverty. It recommends subsidizing auto ownership or access for those who are economically unable to afford the high cost of owning, maintaining, and operating a personal motor vehicle.
Alternatives Explored for West Seattle and Ballard Light Rail Extensions
Plans to extend the Sound Transit light rail system are moving forward. Elected officials have a big choice to make that will determine the cost and scope of the projects.
Mega-Project Moves Forward in Hollywood
The Crossroads Hollywood project overcame local opposition and ongoing scandal at City Hall to win approval from the Los Angeles City Council.
If You Build (a Gondola), They Will Come
The Oakland A's want to build a gondola from one of the city's premier destinations to the proposed location of a new ballpark.
The Racial Complexities of Gentrification in L.A.
In some Latino neighborhoods, the gentrifiers are also Latinos. The result is a complicated mix of culture, change, and resistance.
Cupertino Mayor's 'Wall Joke' Gets Lots of Negative Feedback
Cupertino Mayor Steven Scharf, a fervent opponent of a new Bay Area housing initiative, opened his Jan. 29 state-of-the-city address with a short joke about "building a wall around Cupertino and making San Jose pay for it" that didn't go over well.
Friday Eye Candy: A Polar Vortex and an Atmospheric River Leave a Mark
The cities of Chicago and Los Angeles were in rare form after winter storms passed through in recent days.
L.A.'s Long History of Informal Housing
The story of informal housing is one of changing racial and class demographics, economic opportunity and needs, and regulatory control.
L.A. Program Seeks to Boost Construction of Homeless Housing
The Los Angeles plan to build supportive housing for homeless people is lagging and costing much more than anticipated. A new pilot program seeks to overcome these hurdles by soliciting new ideas and strategies from developers.
By-Right Approval for Affordable Housing Projects Proposed in San Francisco
San Francisco Mayor London Breed is fighting hard to make it easier to develop affordable housing in the cost-impacted city. A fight will likely be required.
Zoned Land Won't Be Sufficient for California Governor's Homebuilding Goals
A new report says that the state is going to face huge challenges in building 3.5 million homes over the next seven years.
A Comprehensive Survey of the Scope and Effects of Land Use Policy in California
A survey of land use policies in cities and counties of California is designed to inform a more complete understanding of the housing market, sustainability, and economic mobility in the state.
Tracking the Skyward Progress of Western U.S. Cities
A Washington Post feature analyzes the changing skylines of cities from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.
Major Parking Reform Effort Moving Forward in San Diego
Civic San Diego and San Diego planning commissioners approved new parking standards that would eliminate minimums and set maximums of one space per multifamily unit. Those reforms and more must still be approved by the City Council.
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.
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