California
California Should Alter Its HSR Plans to Save Money
Thomas Elias argues that California's HSR plans should be altered to reduce costs and avoid some urban municipalities against the plans. This would reduce the $25 billion funding gap and allow construction to move ahead.
Gail Goldberg's Legacy
Despite her homespun manner -- or maybe because of it -- L.A.'s retiring planning director, Gail Goldberg, had a huge impact on planning in California.
L.A.'s High Line West
A new linear park project near L.A.'s port seeks to ride the success of New York City's High Line park.
L.A. Planning Director Resigns
Los Angeles Planning Director Gail Goldberg has announced her resignation.
California's Troubles Not the Fault of Prop 13
This article from City Journal suggests that California's much-reviled Proposition 13 limits on increases in property tax is not at fault for the state's crippling fiscal situation.
Will Congestion Pricing Cause Slow-Downs?
The Bay Area's first experience in peak-hour road tolling starts July 1. At 10 am, the Bay Bridge toll decreases to $4 from the $6 commute toll that starts at 5 am - will motorists intentionally slow to save $2 as they approach the tolls at 10 AM?
Is A Burger Stand Worth Preserving?
A 20-stool burger stand in Los Angeles could be eligible for historic preservation status, much to the dismay of the city's Community Redevelopment Agency that shelled out over $5million for the surrounding land.
Decline and Despair in Exurbia
This story from the Los Angeles Times looks at the downfall of exurban growth in the High Desert of Southern California, and the families caught in the downfall.
Placemaking for Pot Smoking
Potential legalization of marijuana presents California cities the chance to do a different type of 'greening.' Josh Stephens reports on the land use challenges of regulating California's most lucrative crop.
CalTrans Shells Out $17 Million to Rename Pasadena Freeway
The first freeway in California is being renamed back to its original designation, the 'Arroyo Seco Parkway.' Known more recently as simply 'the 110,' it was considered a "marvel of engineering," when construction began in 1938.
Reshuffle at L.A. Planning Department
With fewer staff members to cover the workload, L.A. is redefining planners' roles, including a change that will make planners more community-focused and less centralized.
Vision California Calls for Compact Development in Established Cities
Vision California, the state's first planning document in over thirty years, was released Wednesday and concludes that planners "should focus on creating compact development in already established cities," over continued suburban sprawl.
Jews and Transit: "Like a Bagel and Schmeer"
Joel Epstein at the Jewish Journal argues that Jews should support mass transit measures, and the 30/10 plan in particular. "Without 30/10, I fear my kids may be sitting shiva for me before I ride the Subway to the Sea," he writes.
Controversial BART to Airport Being Built Anyway
Back in February, the Federal Transportation Administration revoked $70m in funding from the proposed BART airport connector over civil rights violations. Streetsblog reports that BART is forging ahead anyway and looking for other funders.
Reversing California's Sprawl with SB 375 and TOD
A new report from the Urban Land Institute finds that California's VMT-focused Senate Bill 375 can potentially reverse the state's sprawl. Transit-oriented development is seen as a strong strategy.
Mortgage Headache Spawns Legislation in California
Mortgage debt is crippling the housing market all over the country, and the homeowners who've taken on more debt than they can afford. Now, real estate interests and banking interests are battling over legislation intended to ease the pain.
Layoffs Hurt Planning Efforts in California
Cities in California's Central Valley are looking at the economic downturn as an opportunity for planners to focus on long-range work. But layoffs in planning departments are making that hard to do.
Double-Parking, Churches, and Cyclist Safety
Double-parking can be hazardous to cyclists. But police in San Francisco aren't enforcing the law when double-parking happens during church services. Some argue that the rule of law must be followed.
Underground Berkeley Bike Station Surfaces
...and expands almost nine-fold to be the nation's second largest. While not as proximate to the BART gates as the existing ten-year-old, 400 sq. ft station, it will be only be half a block away.
The Most Agressive Mayoral Transit Advocacy in America
Jarret Walker writes on Mayor Villaraigosa's 30/10 plan and why Los Angeles is a "smart long term bet" as a sustainable city.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
