California
High Bottled Water Spending Prompts City Ban
Amid revelations that San Francisco City government had been spending almost half a million dollars a year on bottled water, the mayor has instituted a ban that would require all government water use to come straight from the tap.
BART's Vision For The Future
Now 50 years old, BART looks to the future with a 50-year plan for vast system improvements and expansions throughout the Bay Area including a new transbay tube between Oakland and San Francisco, and an East Bay station in downtown Martinez.
The Downtown That Doubles As A Movie Set
Downtown Los Angeles has long stood in for other cities in Hollywood movies. But the area's new burgeoning residential population is clashing with movie makers over filming.
U.S. Cities Follow Californian Opposition To Wal-Mart
Many cities are following the lead of various municipalities up and down California that are using any and all possible powers to prevent Wal-Marts from moving in. But despite the growing opposition, business is booming.
L.A.'s One Way Proposal Goes The Wrong Way
While there's no doubt Los Angeles has a traffic problem, it would be a mistake to put congestion relief over neighborhood revitalization.
Following in The Footsteps Of Chinatown
From Thai Towns to Little Ethiopias, cultural and ethnically-themed neighborhoods are increasingly sought by cities to lure economic activity and residents.
Mickey Mouse's Idea Of Planning
California Planning & Development Report columnist Morris Newman doesn't think much of the Disney Company's attempts to prevent housing development in Anaheim's resort district.
Rules Limiting Activities In Public Spaces Target Homeless
Broad regulations have been approved in Berkeley, California, that would ban certain activities in public spaces, such as laying on the ground and urinating. This set of rules seeks to impose greater control over the city's homeless population.
Presidential Candidate Stumps For Light Rail
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson promised to redirect funding from roads to mass transit if he's elected President.
How To Design A Good Building
Not all buildings can be great, but good design shouldn't be an afterthought either, argues architecture critic John King.
A Walkable Downtown Los Angeles?
As part of a new set of guiding principles that call on city planners to 'demand a walkable city', Los Angeles may adopt new standards requiring developers to widen sidewalks, not streets.
A Closer Look At Muni's Meltdown
San Francisco's largest transit agency is reviled by many residents because of its service delays and poor management.
California Sues Municipalities for Bad Urban Planning
Using a technique typically used by advocates, California's Attorney General is trying to use lawsuits to persuade local governments to curb sprawl and prevent global warming.
Court Grants Local Power Over Big Box Locations
A California State Supreme Court ruling has given cities and counties broad authority of what type of retail developments can move into their municipalities, and where they can be located. Under the ruling, cities will be able to ban big box stores.
Los Angeles' Smart Growth Saga
The city is working hard to increase density, but with Angelenos firmly attached to their cars and the region's transit moving at a snail's pace, can smart growth really work in L.A.?
Smart Growth Leaders Still Living Low Density American Dream
While encouraging the city's residents to embrace higher densities and public transit, many of Los Angeles's smart growth advocates live in single family homes and commute long distances in cars.
Roof Tiles Make It Easier For Homeowners To Go Solar
New solar roof tiles allow eco-conscious and well-heeled homeowners to enjoy the benefits of low-cost energy without annoying their neighbors with traditional solar panels deemed unsightly by some communities.
California's Governor Not On Board With High-Speed Rail
While simultaneously touting his 'green' policy agenda, California Governor Schwarzenegger is trying to put the brakes on the state's planned high-speed rail system in favor of traditional highway infrastructure improvements.
Sprawling? See You in Court!
Citing the threat posed by climate change, the State Attorney General of California Jerry Brown has filed suit against a community for failing to rein in sprawl.
Integrating The Farm With The City
The idea of linking agriculture and smart growth is gaining ground in California's booming rural areas.
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
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
