California
The Unintended Consequences Of Stormwater Regulation
California water quality regulators continue to levy ever-tougher standards for stormwater runoff. But the standards could impact development and cities in a way that is not best for the environment at large.
Residents Sue Over State Density Bonus Law
Upset about the effect of California State Bill 1818's override of local zoning restrictions, a Los Angeles resident has sued the city to overturn its density bonus ordinance. Others may soon follow.
Reclaiming L.A. as a Cycling City
Over 100 years ago, a wooden bicycle highway linked Pasadena to Los Angeles. Now cycling activists are hoping that, by closing the Arroyo Seco Parkway to automobiles for "ArroyoFest," Angelinos can once again imagine a cycling future for LA.
Hollywood, Reborn and Transformed
By nearly any measure, the Los Angeles neighborhood of Hollywood has been radically transformed in the last 10 years, becoming a bar-hopper’s dream, a gourmet’s destination, and a rising shopping and housing district.
Can Los Angeles Plan Its Way To Mobility?
With a growing population, a sprawling urban landscape, and uncertain public funding, Los Angeles seems to be hoping for a miracle with its latest transportation planning effort.
Crime Cameras Move Crime, Not Deter It
In San Francisco, "crime cameras" intended to ward of crime and record any illegal activity that occurs have been shown by a recent report to do little to prevent crimes from taking place.
Californians Say 'Make Gas Guzzlers Pay'
A new poll shows that many of the state's residents support new ideas for funding transportation improvements, including charging higher fees to drivers of SUVs and other fuel inefficient vehicles.
Court Blocks City from Razing Historic Downtown Hotels
In response to the City of Stockton's attempts to block a lawsuit by citizens' group Save Old Stockton concerning demolition of several historic hotels, a California judge granted a temporary injunction to allow time for the lawsuit to proceed.
When Redevelopment Plans Work
Once considered a backwater near Los Angeles' westside, Culver City has experienced a resurgence. Residents like the new restaurants, but aren't prepared to cope with all the effects of the successful redevelopment.
Parking Violations Could Generate $100 Million for San Francisco
San Francisco is considering a plan to boost its fees for parking violations -- a move that could end up bringing in a total of $100 million in revenues from the pockets of illegal parkers.
Maligned Redevelopment Agencies Asked To Solve Foreclosure Crisis
California's redevelopment agencies are feeling pressure on numerous fronts these days. Some may go out of business next year. Still, state lawmakers are considering giving the agencies authority to buy out subprime mortgages.
Slow Adoption For SF's Pay-By-Phone Parking Meters
The city has outfitted more than 1,000 parking meters with new technology to allow motorists to pay over the phone. Yet most of them haven't noticed.
California Needs Rail, Not Roads
The recent vote against a new toll freeway in Orange County signals that California's don't want more roads. Instead, transportation dollars should go to building the state's high-speed rail system.
A Look at L.A.'s Density Bonus
This segment from Which Way, L.A.? discusses Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's density bonus plans.
Port of L.A.'s Clean Trucks Plan Draws Private Sector Critique
Differences between the clean trucks programs at the ports of Long Beach and L.A. may bring months of litigation, derailing clean air efforts at the nation's largest port complex.
Using Fees On Motorists To Fund Public Transit
A bill introduced in Sacramento could pave the way for Los Angeles County to raise $400 million dollars a year for public transit from motorists -- who'd pay more for gas or vehicle registration.
Building in the Danger Zone
This article from Next American City looks at the new land use ideas that are guiding development in disaster-prone areas.
Los Angeles' Brawl With Sprawl
Officials in Los Angeles were successful in implementing high-density growth policies to curb sprawl. However, a disconnect between culture, transportation policy, and the real estate market may have disastrous consequences.
Embracing Alleys in San Francisco
Alleys are a major part of the character of San Francisco, and many parts of the city are trying to embrace these unique aspects of the urban makeup.
Funding Bureaucracy Highlights L.A.'s Parks Deficit
The city of Los Angeles is currently sitting on more than $130 million dollars intended to build parks. But those funds are tied to council districts high in development, leaving districts with little development high and dry.
Pagination
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