California

Los Angeles, California

Warner Bros. Wants to Build a Tram to the Hollywood Sign

That's not all folks….The studio says they'll pay for the project too.

July 12, 2018 - Los Angeles Times

Klamath Tribes

Plan Released for Largest Dam Removal Project in U.S. History

A plan to remove four dams on the Klamath River took a crucial step forward at the end of June. Planners hope the dam removals will improve water quality, revive fisheries, create local jobs, and boost tourism and recreation.

July 11, 2018 - Del Norte Triplicate

Electric Car

With $768 Million in June, California Continues EV Infrastructure Investment

CPUC Commissioner Carla Peterman explains the state's investment plan for building out electric vehicle charging stations in public spaces and homes.

July 11, 2018 - The Planning Report

San Francisco Bike Lane

Bird, Lime Now Valued Over $3 Billion

The fast-rising scooter companies recently hauled in big investment dollars. Lime's investment comes by way of Uber.

July 11, 2018 - CNN Tech

CEQA and the California Dream: No Marriage, Except for Attorneys

A Habitat for Humanity Project in Silicon Valley is stymied by an effective, CEQA-wielding attorney who doesn't want his home office views obstructed and more traffic in his neighborhood.

July 10, 2018 - CALmatters

Los Angeles

California's Great Transportation Divide—Between Two Key Governmental Agencies

Two powerful governmental bodies that deal with very different aspects of transportation—one with meeting mobility needs, the other with its impact on health and the environment—met formally for the first time on June 27.

July 9, 2018 - Streetsblog California

Washington, D.C. Apartment

What Do Affordable Housing Developers Think of California's Potential Rent Control Initiative?

A California November 2018 ballot initiative seeking to repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act could have unintended consequences, according to Related California's Bill Witte.

July 9, 2018 - The Planning Report

San Francisco Homeless

SF Chronicle Editorial Board: Build More Homes to Help the Homeless

And stop changing the subject, adds the Editorial Board of the San Francisco Chronicle.

July 8, 2018 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Marijuana

Los Angeles to Consider Public Bank for Housing and Cannabis

Voters will decide in November on the creation of a cannabis-friendly, publicly owned bank to invest in affordable housing.

July 7, 2018 - Los Angeles Times

Cellular Network

Big Public-Private Partnership to Reset Internet Infrastructure in San Jose

The city of San Jose's Broadband and Digital Inclusion Strategy is leveraging the private sector to ensure broad inclusion of new Internet technology.

July 6, 2018 - Smart Cities Dive

Seattle Beats San Francisco to Plastic Straw and Utensil Ban

Seattle's ban took effect Sunday, while San Franciso's proposed legislation, if successful, would begin July 1, 2019. Other cities have plastic straw restrictions, but Seattle's is the first outright ban. Compostable alternatives are permitted.

July 6, 2018 - Huffington Post

No Parking Minimums and Also No Housing Development

Los Angeles is hoping that changes to the Cornfield Arroyo Seco Specific Plan will finally yield new residential developments.

July 5, 2018 - Urbanize LA

E-Scooters

Making the Case for Small, Shared, Electric Transport Modes

Tony Dutzik, senior policy analyst with the Frontier Group, presents three environmental reasons to support shared bikes and scooters, and why cities that have adopted climate plans should accommodate these small, clean, shared vehicles.

July 4, 2018 - Frontier Group

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

Speeding Up Trains and Improving Traffic Safety in San Jose

At-grade light rail has a hard time safely and efficiently traversing Downtown San Jose on Second Street. A new pilot project will look to improve the situation.

July 3, 2018 - The Mercury News

Metro Map

L.A. Wants to Be the Epicenter of New Transportation Technology

Gabe Klein of CityFi outlines how Los Angeles is planning on implementing the Urban Mobility in a Digital Age report.

July 3, 2018 - The Planning Report

Homeless

$2 Billion Bond Measure on California Ballot to House the Mentally Ill Homeless

The revenue bonds would be funded from a millionaires' surtax, approved by voters in 2004, to pay for health programs, but not housing, for the mentally ill. Also on ballot: a $4 billion general obligation bond measure to fund housing for veterans.

July 2, 2018 - Los Angeles Times

Water Emergency Transportation Authority

Electrifying Maritime Transport – San Francisco Bay to Show the Way

While battery-power doesn't appear practical, electricity from fuel cells does. The nation's first fuel cell-powered ferry will be operating in San Francisco Bay next year thanks in part to a $3 million grant from the California Air Resources Board.

July 2, 2018 - East Bay Times

Freewways

Nine Highway Expansions Identified as Worst Boondoggles of 2018

In a new report, U.S. PIRG and the Frontier Group describe nine costly highway projects amounting to $30 billion in their fourth annual "Highway Boondoggles" report. All share the theme of induced travel demand.

July 2, 2018 - Frontier Group

Light Rail Transit Rendering

Light Rail Proposal for L.A.'s San Fernando Valley Wins Key Approval

Light rail could come to "The Valley" for the first time, under a plan approved this week by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Board of Directors.

July 1, 2018 - The Source

Google Headquarters

Google Tax to Appear on November Ballot in Mountain View, California

If a majority of the city's voters approve the city-sponsored ballot measure, business license fees will change from a flat $30 annual fee to a new tax based on the number of employees, with the largest employer, Google, to pay $3.3 million.

June 29, 2018 - San Francisco Chronicle

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.

Comprehensive Bikeway Design Workshop

Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University

Early Bird Deadline – save on your tuition fee!🚨

Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)

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.