California
On the Natural Urbanism of East L.A. Artists
The planning process often suffers from a lack of community engagement. According to James Rojas, planners can learn from the on-the-ground urbanism of artists in East L.A.
Study Finds New Evidence that Place Determines Income Mobility
A new study by Harvard economists provides the best evidence yet that where children grow up matters to the outcomes of their lives.
Toll Lanes Continue to Spread on Southern California Freeways
To the chagrin of many Orange County transportation leaders, two express lanes will be added to each direction on a 14-mile stretch of the 405 (San Diego) Freeway, one through conversion, and a general purpose lane funded in part by Measure M added.
Court Ruling Makes Tiered Water Pricing Difficult for California Drought Efforts
Pricing through tiered levels (i.e., charging more for customers using higher volumes of water), will be difficult, if not impossible, thanks to the ruling of a California appeals court on April 20.
Planning for the Next 20 Years in Unincorporated Los Angeles County
A lot has changed on the ground in Los Angeles County's unincorporated areas since 1980, when the last General Plan directing land use in these communities was written.
Silicon Valley's Latest Innovation: Recycled Water
A proposed $800 million facility in Santa Clara County will put recycled water on the tech boom's doorstep.
The Bike Highway That Almost Was
In this excerpt from the new book "LAtitudes: An Angeleno's Atlas," author Dan Koeppel tracks the 1899 Bicycle Highway from Los Angeles to Pasadena to discover why it was never finished.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
