California
Is 2015 the Year California Increases its Gas Tax?
The stars appear to be aligning for a 10-cent gas tax hike, thanks to a $59 billion backlog in bridge and road repairs that has even influenced anti-tax Republicans. It's been 20 years since the gas tax was increased.
$400 Million Needed for Oakland NFL Stadium Deal Lacks Political Support
One city is prioritizing fiscal sanity over a new football stadium—at least for now.
Record Memorial Day Travel Due to Low Gas Prices, Improved Economy
In addition to record travel this Memorial Day, the U.S. DOT reports that March broke the record for the most vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Gas prices, though rising since late March, are predicted to drop and remain low through the end of 2015.
Drought Exacerbates Conflict Between Cattle and Almonds in California's Central Valley
Sasha Khokha takes an in-depth look at the conflicting interests of cattle and almond businesses in California's Central Valley.
San Francisco's Luxury Bus Service Shut Down
Leap, one of three luxury commute services competing with public transit in San Francisco's Marina District, has run afoul with the state regulatory system and was forced to shut down until it obtains an operating license.
Massive Oil Slick Revives Memories of 1969 Santa Barbara Spill
Tuesday's pipeline spill resulted in an oil slick off the Santa Barbara coast. While incomparable in size to the 1969 spill resulting from an oil platform blowout, it is yet another reminder of environmental consequences of oil dependency.
Long Beach Relaxes Taxi Regulations to Level the Playing Field
Instead of imposing regulations on transportation network companies, Long Beach went a different way: the city eased regulations on taxi companies.
Debating the Merits of New Intermodal Hubs
Train-bus-bike connector stations have a long pedigree, and a reputation for anchoring neighborhood investment. But some criticize planned hubs for their perceived lavishness.
Study: Golden State Should Change Name to Greenest State
California's economy is not only the "least carbon-intensive" in the United States, it's the second lowest in the world when measured per economic output, according to a new study that evaluates economics and environment.
Google's Loss is LinkedIn's Gain in Silicon Valley
The city of Mountain View chose to allot most of the redevelopment rights in its much sought-after North Bayshore area not to the city's largest employer and taxpayer but to LinkedIn's more conventional proposal.
San Francisco Rebooting its Airbnb Regulation Efforts
Despite approving legislation to regulate short-term rentals in October 2014, San Francisco must go back to the drawing board to find legislation that works. Stay tuned.
Stiff Opposition to San Diego Mixed-Use Mega-Project
In February, the city council approved One Paseo, a 1.4 million-square-foot mix of offices, residences, retail, and entertainment. The project's detractors have forced a referendum, putting a kink in San Diego's urbanist planning ambitions.
Silicon Valley Cities' Complex Relationship with Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley isn't just an industry. It's also a place. Actually, a series of places. The dozen or so cities that make up the valley are increasingly wary of the corporate behemoths that are constantly expanding within their city limits.
7 Lessons in Park Planning from the APA National Conference
What’s new in environmental planning, the value of multi-functional urban parks, and the importance of providing open spaces for an aging population discussed at a recent conference stood out to planner Clement Lau.
Los Angeles Searches for Improvements to the Much-Maligned Pershing Square
A series of public outreach events are being held in Pershing Square to determine how to make the park more engaging. Live music and fewer physical barriers to entry are among the ideas suggested.
California Transportation Spending Gets Boost from Budget Revision
A short term increase in spending hides California's annual structural deficit of almost $6 billion—money needed to maintain the state's roads and bridges.
How 3D Laser Scanning Helped Save Earthquake Damaged Buildings in Napa
The 3D scan provided a safe and quick solution for potential restoration, rehabilitation, and preservation by capturing thousands of points a second and creates a virtual photograph of the object that it scans.
Walkability 'Growing Pains' in Los Angeles
By many estimates, a city known for its pedestrian unfriendliness is developing pockets of local walkability. Minor disputes over pedestrian rights may add up to something bigger.
Bay Area's Newest Commuter Rail Service on Display
The Northwestern Pacific RR served Marin and Sonoma counties and the North Coast in the 1890s. The route of the new SMART train, while not as long, will run in the same right-of-way, starting next year. One new train was on display in San Rafael.
What Droughts Say About Planners and Water Officials
When water policy and land use planning operate in separate spheres, it's more difficult to design for efficient resource use. Better communication is needed in the drought-stricken southwest.
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 Moorpark
City of Tustin
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
