California
Congratulations L.A., You Have the Worst Roads in the U.S.
A new study by TRIP, the Washington, D.C.-based transportation nonprofit, has concluded that drivers in the Los Angeles region ply the most deteriorated roads in the country, based on 2011 data from the Federal Highway Administration.
Prius Founder Questions Future of Electric Vehicles
Toyota Motor Corp. Chairman Takeshi Uchiyamada, who helped develop the world's most popular hybrid-electric vehicle, questioned the ability of pure electric vehicles to supplant petroleum-fueled vehicles because of battery and charging challenges.
How is Technology Transforming the American City?
For a feature on Technology and the City, Architectural Record examines how the digital economy and tech culture are transforming Chattanooga, Detroit, Austin, and San Francisco. Many changes are welcome, but can urban success become too successful?
California Becomes More EV-Friendly With 6 New Laws
Gov. Jerry Brown showed his support for electric vehicles (EVs), clean air, and reducing carbon emissions with the signing of six bills. In addition to EVs, all clean cars will benefit, including plug-in hybrids, FCVs and natural gas-powered.
Upscale Makeover Threatens the Character of L.A.'s Beloved Public Market
L.A.'s historic Grand Central Market is undergoing an upscale makeover. Steve Lopez, an unabashed urban market fanatic, is concerned the changes threaten the market's role as discount center and bridge between affluent and working class Angelenos.
Car-Free Events Improve Cash Flow for L.A. Businesses
A new study by UCLA's Luskin School of Public Affairs has found that the city's popular CicLAvia open streets event has been a boon to local businesses: boosting sales 10% for businesses along the route and 57% for those participating.
Pilot Parklet Program Finds Fans in L.A., May Expand
Before its launch, a skeptic in car-crazy L.A. might have wondered whether a pilot program to transform parking spaces into pocket parks would have much success. But, to the delight of backers, the parklets have been a hit and may expand citywide.
Disaster or Dodged Bullet? Colorado Debates Environmental Impact of Floods
What was the extent of the environmental damage caused by leaking oil wells during September's flood? Turns out, it depends on whom you ask. Word from both government and the industry is that it was minimal, while environmental advocates disagree.
L.A.'s Bicycle Love Affair: Enduring Relationship or Passing Fancy?
The Los Angeles Times' editorial page declares itself "pro-bike" as it launches "Roadshare", an effort to engage the city's cyclists, drivers, pedestrians, taxpayers and others in a discussion over L.A.'s transportation future.
Poor Design Threatens L.A.'s Quixotic Grand Avenue Quest
With a key deadline looming today for downtown L.A.'s Grand Avenue project, a "little-noticed" decision last week by a public agency to reject the developer's most recent design has thrown the future of the elusive effort in doubt.
Sustainability Initiatives Pay Green Dividends for S.F. Schools
Five years after San Francisco hired its first sustainability director for the city's school system, the controversial decision is paying off in environmental benefits and substantial energy savings.
Updates Seek to Strengthen California's Water Plan and Build Consensus
Jeff Kightlinger, General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, discusses Governor Brown's Bay Delta Conservation Plan and the risks natural disasters and climate change pose to California's water infrastructure.
Mixed Reports on Success of Bay Area Bike Share
Depending on what media you're reading, Bay Area Bike Share is either off to a "fast start" or an "underwhelming start". We give both reviews - you judge. In addition, Sacramento looks toward BABS as a model, and expansion within SF will be proposed.
Can L.A.'s New Mayor Drag the City's Operations Into the Digital Era?
With a goal of improving the quality of life for the city's residents, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti is embarking on a titanic task: using technology, transparency, and accountability to transform the city's "lumbering" bureaucracy.
Earl Blumenauer on America's Unwise Approach to Disaster Planning and Recovery
Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer talks about the failures with federal natural disaster relief and how the country should build its resiliency to climate change with The Planning Report.
A Fight Over the Future of "America's 'Most Livable' Community"
LA's trendy Silver Lake neighborhood "is going through a full-blown, divisive identity crisis." Amid trendy boutiques and million dollar homes are bastions of poverty and crime. Activists are divided on how to define, let alone address, its problems.
Bill Fulton On What It Will Take to Rebuild San Diego's Planning Department
Bill Fulton, noted Smart Growth advocate and Director of Planning for the City of San Diego, looks to rebuild a department and pass community plans in the wake of San Diego's leadership crisis. In this interview, he describes the path ahead.
From Bust to Boom: Bankrupt City's Home Prices Skyrocket
Before Detroit's bankruptcy, Stockton held the ominous title of largest city in the U.S. to go bankrupt. Unlike Detroit, it was largely tied to the foreclosure crisis. Home prices have jumped 30% in the last year. What caused the turnaround?
Finally, California Has a Safe-Passing Law!
Good news for all cyclists riding on Calif. roadways came from Gov. Jerry Brown on Monday when he attached his signature to a bill making it law that drivers give bicyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing from behind - only took him 5 years!
Are Planners Responsible for America's Obesity Epidemic?
Many factors have contributed to America's obesity crisis, but the design of the built environment has had an undeniable role. A new study shows that living in a smart growth community can increase physical activity among children.
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
