California
Santa Monica Voters Soundly Reject Slow Growth Ballot Measure
The so-called LUVE initiative, which would have required a public vote on any development exceeding 32 feet or two stories, was rejected by over 56 percent of voters. Opponents significantly outspent supporters who failed to get council support.
Who Benefits from the East Bay's Big Bus Rapid Transit Project?
A key commercial corridor connecting Oakland and Fremont in the East Bay Area is due for a dramatic transformation in the form of a new Bus Rapid Transit line.
California's New Accessory Dwelling Unit Having an Effect in Monterey
The city of Monterey has been compelled by a new state law to loosen prohibitions on accessory dwelling units after failing to so earlier in the year.
Airbnb Ready to Make Concessions to the City of San Francisco
The city of San Francisco and Airbnb may move their dispute from the courtroom to the negotiating table, as the company indicates willingness to find a "win-win" with the city.
A Potential Downside to $120 Billion in Transportation Investments in Los Angeles
The editorial board of the Los Angeles Times warns that along with new transit lines comes new housing for residents who want to enjoy the benefits of reduced auto-dependence. Plans need to ensure minimal housing displacement around the new stations.
Affordable Housing Measure Passes in L.A. by Wide Margin. Now What?
An affordable housing measure passed in Tuesday's election has developers saying they may scrap existing building projects, meanwhile the bill’s supporters argue that the new rules will help break the housing crunch plaguing the area.
San Francisco Voters Express Frustration with Tent Living
Voters appear to have passed the most contentious ballot measure in San Francisco, Proposition Q, that allows city workers to remove tent encampments if shelter is available. Voters in other Bay Area counties passed taxes for affordable housing.
Evaluating California's 'Cash-for-Lawns' Rebate
At the height of the California drought, a group of water suppliers offered rebates for people willing to remove lawns. Now, it's time to figure out if the experiment worked.
How Environment and Energy Ballot Measures Fared in Tuesday's Election
More than the president was decided. Results are in on a Washington carbon tax, a California plastic bag ban, a Sunshine State restriction on solar panels, and on a ban on oil drilling in a California county that actually has oil drilling.
California's Rental Housing Crisis Has Come to the Capital
The state capital of California is starting to see rents that would fit in around San Francisco or Los Angeles. Although explanations are scant, some are blaming the stagnant multi-family development industry.
14,000 Homeless Women and Counting in Los Angeles County
The number of homeless women living in Los Angeles County has increased 55 percent since 2013. Women account for one in three homeless people in the county.
Why Is Actor Mario Lopez Promoting a Stadium Next to an Historic Barrio in San Diego?
In San Diego, a battle is taking place between residents of historic Barrio Logan and proponents of an NFL stadium which threatens it. Actor Mario Lopez has been hired to sell the stadium proposal.
One of the Most Important Energy Measure on the Ballot on Tuesday
While billed as an "anti-fracking initiative," Measure Z in Monterey County, the 4th-largest oil-producing county in California, does far more. It bans new oil drilling and requires the cleaning of wastewater from current drilling operations.
Sunday Fun: The Mountain Lions of Los Angeles Get Their Own Social Media Presence
The National Park Service has launched the Puma Profiles, making it easier to explore the lives of the city's largest collection of feral residents.
Santa Monica Ordinance Would Require Net-Zero Energy Standards for New Homes
Santa Monica is the first city in California to adopt an ordinance requiring new single-family homes be built to net-zero energy standards.
New California Law Empowers Local Governments to Plan for Climate Adaptation
State Senator Bob Wieckowski is working to help communities get the necessary tools to increase capacity for climate resilience.
Friday Eye Candy: Take a Tour of a Digital San Francisco
A modded version of Cities: Skylines and 200-250 hours are all it takes to make a 1:1 digital representation of the city of San Francisco.
A Plan to Revolutionize Biking in Berkeley
The city of Berkeley, California released its new Bicycle Plan in October. The plan includes a cycletrack network that would look right at home in Denmark.
When City Planning Fails: Taking a Single Hotel Development to the Ballot
What Happens When A Beverly Hills Developer Decides A Ballot Initiative Is Easier than the Planning Process?
Pittsburgh's Lessons for Los Angeles and Beyond: Reinvest in Planning
The rules are changing, Tom Murphy says, and cities need to change, too.
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.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
