California

Federal Gas Tax Index 'Dead on Arrival' Warns House Majority Leader

The "Bridge to Sustainable Infrastructure Act" does not appear sustainable to Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), citing gas prices of $3.20 per gallon in his district in Bakersfield. A year ago, the average price in California was $4.26.

April 30, 2015 - The Hill

San Francisco Parking

San Francisco Approves 'Parking Flexibility Ordinance'

A newly approved ordinance in San Francisco will allow new flexibility for the city parking regulations, relaxing parking restrictions in multiple situations that apply all over the city.

April 29, 2015 - SF.Streetsblog

Medical Marijuana Protest

Over 500 Medical Marijuana Shops Shuttered in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, Proposition D has done its job over the past two years, putting a damper on new medical marijuana shops and dispensaries. Meanwhile, California inches toward decriminalization.

April 29, 2015 - Next City

Uber Driver

Uber Now Employs 20,000 in the Bay Area

With over 162,000 full- or part-time "driver partners" nationwide, Uber is an employment giant. The company's 20,000 Bay Area workers place it among the top five regional employers.

April 29, 2015 - SFGate

How Community Benefit Programs Create Value-Added Growth and Protect Public Resources

With redevelopment funding no longer an option, South San Francisco and other cities increasingly are looking to a community benefits platform, according to Murtaza Baxamusa, a planner and urban planning professor.

April 28, 2015 - UrbDeZine

Leadership Change at CicLAvia to Target Goal of More Frequent Events

Aaron Paley, the founder of CicLAvia in Los Angeles, announces a change in leadership and describes the future of the game-changing event—a good read for anyone interested in open-streets, cultural events, and urban quality of life.

April 26, 2015 - Los Angeles Times

Salk Institute

Public Space and Placemaking—Emphasis on the Public

The Salk is an exceptional world-class space, and it is accessible, but it is not a public space, writes urban designer Howard Blackson, III.

April 25, 2015 - UrbDeZine

New App Alerts Drivers Before Traffic Lights Turn Green

A suburban city in the East Bay Area will allow commuters to use a new app that links their smartphones to traffic lights.

April 24, 2015 - San Jose Mercury News

McMansion Construction

Los Angeles (Temporarily) Bans New McMansions

Concerns about out-of-character construction, much of it oversized, has led the Los Angeles City Council to prohibit construction of additional 'McMansions.' In some areas, all new development will be held up for two years.

April 23, 2015 - Los Angeles Daily News

The Castro

Music Clubs in S.F. Fight for Right to Party

Local ordinances typically try to protect residents from excess noise. In San Francisco, though, a city official is proposing policies that would protect the right of musical acts to keep rocking despite the encroachment of new neighbors.

April 23, 2015 - SF Weekly

Why I'm a Shoupista

Bill Fulton tells the story about how he became a Shoupista—thanks in part to Donald Shoup's love of Hello Dolly!

April 22, 2015 - California Planning & Development Report

Amsterdam Public Transit's Big Move to All-Electric

Europe is well known for electric powered trams and trains, but cities still operate diesel buses, just like in the United States. That will change in Amsterdam—all diesel buses will be replaced by battery-electrics by 2025, reports Dutch News.

April 22, 2015 - Dutch News.nl

Orange Line Bus

Los Angeles May Upgrade Orange Line BRT to Rail

The San Fernando Valley's Orange Line bus rapid transit enjoys solid ridership. For an area of the city especially under-served by trains, investing in light rail might be a viable option.

April 22, 2015 - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles' CAO Shows How Trade-Offs Drive City Budgeting

Yesterday marked the release of the city of Los Angeles Mayor’s Budget for FY 2015-2016, and Chief Administrative Officer Miguel Santana delves into the details.

April 21, 2015 - The Planning Report

Cleveland Warehouse District

Policy Dos and Don'ts from 'Parking Guru' Donald Shoup

Distinguished Professor of Urban Planning Donald Shoup has caused a revolution in the field of parking economics over his four decades at UCLA.

April 20, 2015 - The Planning Report

10-Cent Gas Tax Increase Proposed for Road Maintenance in California

SB 16 would also increase the diesel tax (which hasn't been raised in over two decades) by 12-cents, charge electric vehicles a flat $100 annual fee, and increase registration and license fees.

April 20, 2015 - Planetizen

San Francisco Skyline

San Francisco Seeks Lighter Side of Market Street

San Francisco recently hosted a series of events to make the city's backbone, Market Street, a little more fun. It's the latest of many efforts to revitalize a street that has been problematic even as the rest of the city has boomed.

April 20, 2015 - Next City

'50 Parks' Program Improves Los Angeles' Parks Disparity

Los Angeles is known for a few magnificent parks—but they are hard to reach and concentrated in affluent areas. The 50 Parks program, however, is delivering on its titular promise.

April 19, 2015 - Next City

Drinking Water

The Case for Desalination: Option of Last Resort for Some California Cities

In this radio report on the use of the expensive, controversial strategy of desalination to meet California's water needs in an epic drought, KQED's science reporter speaks with the mayor of Carmel, a V.P. of Poseidon Water, and an environmentalist.

April 18, 2015 - NPR-Morning Edition

Zoning Code Update Sparks Vocal Opposition in Santa Monica

The liberal, affluent enclave of Santa Monica is infamous for its controversies over growth policy. A proposed Zoning Ordinance Update (ZOU), currently under consideration by the City Council, has struck a nerve.

April 17, 2015 - KPCC

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.

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.