California
Transit Center May Not Be as Pedestrian-Oriented as Planned
A transit center proposed for the East San Francisco city of Hercules is being criticized for moving away from its original plans for a pedestrian-oriented layout.
City Considers Seizure as Holdout Landowner Prevents Redevelopment
One holdout landowner is preventing the redevelopment of Pittsburg, California's waterfront, but the city is pushing for eminent domain.
Toll Road Extension Though Beach Voted Down
The California Coastal Commission has voted against expanding a controversial toll road through a state beach.
Is Regional Mag-Lev in L.A.'s Future?
Los Angeles has created a joint-powers authority to consider a regional magnetic-levitation train system. The $26 billion system would be funded and operated by a private firm.
A Green Lens for Affordable Housing
This article looks at how landscape architects have combined green roofs, public spaces and affordable housing to address the chronic homelessness in San Francisco's infamous Tenderloin district.
Controversial Toll Road Through State Beach Heads to Commission
The California Coastal Commission is scheduled to weigh the planned completion of a 28-mile toll road that would cut through a state beach. Many say the road is necessary to cut congestion between San Diego and L.A., but others see it as destructive.
Just Don't Call it a 'McMansion'
This article discusses an architect's attempt to classify his homes as "McMansions" and the city's unwillingness to accept the "McMansion" label as an acceptable way to categorize the architecture of proposed homes.
Extreme Train Commuting: San Francisco To Sacramento
The San Francisco Chronicle Magazine profiles several "extreme" commuters from San Francisco to Sacramento aboard the Amtrak Capital Corridor train. Complete with great photos and anecdotes, it portrays the Amtrak bus and train ride quite accurately.
California May Close Parks to Cut Budget
As part of an effort to reduce the state's budget expenses, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed a plan that would close 48 state parks.
Man Sued For Reducing Waste
A California man reduced his waste to zero, so he canceled his garbage collection. But garbage collection is required in his city, so the local government is suing.
Judge Orders $409 Million Restored To California Transit Account
The settlement comes after a group sued to have $1.2 billion restored to the transit fund after the state shifted funds to balance the budget, paying for transportation-related programs that normally would have been paid from the general fund.
Time for Toll Lanes in L.A.
Los Angeles needs to change its carpool lanes to high-occupancy toll lanes, according to this editorial.
Smaller Cities Make Plans for Sustainability
Sustainability is catching on in more cities than New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Ventura City Manager Rick Cole explains how his city's land use practice can impact California's climate change efforts.
Recycling Center Stirs Controversy In Changing Neighborhood
The long-standing recycling center adjacent to Kezar Stadium at the edge of Golden Gate Park is seen by many neighbors to be an attraction for the homeless who raid their recycling bins.
Reaffirming Los Angeles' Industrial Land Use Policy
To the chagrin of some local developers and politicians, the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency and the city Planning Department have released a joint policy directive that limits the conversion of industrial land to residential uses.
A Limit On Driving In California?
Is a statewide cap on driving in the works? Bill Fulton says a regional driving limit may be the only way that California is able to reach its self-imposed mandates for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Car 'Feebate' Under Consideration in California
The California Assembly is considering a bill that would create the nation's first "feebate" -- a charge or rebate California drivers would pay or receive depending on how much greenhouse gas their cars emit.
Rent Control Under Fire In California
A California ballot initiative heading to voters in June could bring an end to the state's rent control laws.
Land Use Planning: Essential To Climate Protection
In this op-ed, regional planner and California American Planning Association officer Hing Wong emphasizes the importance of land use planning in meeting climate protection goals, citing examples of APA award-winning projects in the Bay Area.
San Francisco Bails on Free Transit Idea
An independent report has found that San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom's idea to make transit free in the city would greatly increase delays, overcrowding and costs. Newsom has backed away from the idea.
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.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association
