California
A Traffic Solution 'Straight Out of the 1950s'
That's how the Los Angeles Times editorial board characterized the $6 billion plan by Los Angeles Metro to widen the 710 freeway. "A waste of money," they assert. Key to the solution is how to deal with goods movement from the seaport complex.
Bay Area's Transbay Dilemma: Second BART Tube or Second Bay Bridge?
In December, Sen. Dianne Feinstein reactivated her call for a southern crossing over the Bay while the BART Board last week began studying a second Transbay tube. The San Francisco Chronicle editorial board opines on which is preferable.
Is CEQA the Main Impediment to Housing Construction in California?
According to a new study by UC Berkeley and Columbia University, local land use processes, specifically the approval process, rather than the California Environmental Quality Act, is the main impediment to housing production in California.
'Screen Door' Pilot to Be Installed at Oakland BART Station
The 12th Street station in Oakland, California will provide an initial test of a rail transit safety technology known as screen doors. Screen doors are rare in the United States, but not in other parts of the world.
Metro's Busy Blue Line Connection Between L.A., Long Beach to Close for Eight Months
One of the most heavily used rail lines in the country, the Metro Blue Line in Los Angeles County, will be closed for eight months in 2019.
A Second Transbay Tube for BART: Let the Planning Commence
BART passengers could someday see a second route across the San Francisco Bay, with a parallel but totally new alignment and crossing points on the either side of the bay.
San Francisco's Outer Neighborhoods Fear Change from Housing Bill
Legislation from a former supervisor could transform much of San Francisco, particularly the outer-neighborhoods, by increasing heights and density along transit corridors. Opposition is growing.
Two Transit Agencies Using Their Clout to Spur Affordable Housing
More transit agencies are recognizing that it's not enough to build transit infrastructure if the people who really need it don't live close enough to use it.
Reevaluating Rent Control
Cities and researchers are reconsidering the effects of the controversial housing policy known as rent control.
Equitable Development in the Mission District
A local nonprofit created a real estate development wing to stem the tide of displacement in San Francisco.
California City Bans 'Distracted Walking'
It is illegal to operate a mobile phone to talk, text or listen to music while crossing the street in Montclair, California
Sacramento Streetcar Faces Uncertain Future Due to Trump Budget
The president's Fiscal Year 2019 Budget cuts the critical Capital investment Grants program run by the Federal Transit Administration. Projects lacking a full-funding grant agreement, like the Sacramento Streetcar, may fall victim.
Where's the Interest in Electric Vehicles?
Policymakers, auto manufacturers, and especially advocates are very engaged in transitioning from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles. The problem is that interest isn't shared by the general public, according to research by UC Davis.
$6 Billion Freeway Widening on the Table in Southern California
Planning for a proposal to expand truck and vehicle capacity on the I-710 Freeway in Southern California has reached a critical juncture in the process.
Praise for the Trump Infrastructure Plan
While there has been no lack of criticism (some might say condemnation) of the $200 billion investment that aims to generate an additional $1.3 trillion, some individuals and groups have stepped forward to praise the plan, or at least parts of it.
The Country's First Municipal Cryptocurrency Could Fund Affordable Housing
The city of Berkeley is exploring the sale of digital tokens—backed by municipal bonds—as a fundraising mechanism for affordable housing and other local priorities.
Drivers: Beware Following GPS Navigation Instructions Too Closely
For the second time at the same railroad crossing in Atherton, California, a motorist followed his GPS navigation onto Caltrain tracks. In both cases, the motorists fled their vehicles before being hit by an oncoming train.
Urban Planning Insights From Your Inner Child (or Your Actual Child)
Los Angeles County park planner and parent Clement Lau writes about how 'playing' and parenting has given him insight into the urban environment that he applies in his profession.
Peak Motorization: Measuring Rates of Auto Ownership and Distances Driven
Passenger vehicle ownership and vehicle miles traveled per person and per household remain below their historic peaks set in 2006 and 2004, respectively, but they have been on the upswing for the past four to five years, according to new data.
Bay Area Design Challenge Takes On Sea Level Rise
For the next several months, nine sites will be the focus of efforts to design for resilience as sea levels rise. Proposals involve "threading nature back into an urbanized terrain."
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
