California
High Density Housing Element Overruled
A district appeals court ruling has invalidated the housing element of San Francisco's general plan, arguing that the environmental consequences of the plan's increased density were not considered.
Using Universities As A Cover For New Development?
Developers are hoping that by putting private colleges and universities within new developments, communities will be more likely to loosen land use approvals.
California's Carpool Lanes Struggling To Meet Demand
In California, plans to build nearly 1,000 miles of carpool lanes are being reconsidered as a new report reveals that the lanes are not meeting federal standards for flow and effectiveness.
Planning For Rising Sea Levels
For the coastal California city of San Diego, the threat of global warming and rising sea levels is on the minds of many local officials and planners.
The Modern Duplex
With more homeowners looking for creative ways to finance their home or house relatives, Los Angeles is experiencing a revival of interest in duplexes.
Troubled L.A. Suburb Manages Dramatic Turnaround
Through a myriad of efforts -- including helping residents install picket fences -- the once ailing suburb of Paramount, California, is now on the rise.
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.
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
