California

Students Contribute to Park Design Process
As a class assignment, nearly 150 high school students shared their ideas for improvements to Sorensen Park in Lake Los Angeles, California.

California High-Speed Rail Project Seeking Change in Funding Plan
State lawmakers will have to approve a change in plans for how the California High-Speed Rail project will fund the ongoing work in the Central Valley.

Context for Sacramento's Decision to End Single-Family Zoning
In January, the Sacramento City Council took first steps toward ending single-family zoning citywide. The decision has provoked controversy that is influencing the next steps in the process.

How Far, How Fast, Will Electric Car Policies Go?
The federal government, and even some automakers, seemed poised to nudge the country toward a future of electric vehicles. But the American preference for large trucks will be an obstacle to those plans.

Stadiums, Space, and the City
Stadium footprints are enormous. It's time to get smarter about how they are used.

An Environmental Justice Agenda for 2021
Michael Méndez, assistant professor in the Department of Urban Planning and Public Policy at the University of California, Irvine opines on California's continued struggle to implement ambitious climate goals.

Paradise Was Prepared for the Camp Fire, Report Says. It Wasn't Enough.
Sobering findings from a thorough examination of the causes of the 2018 Camp Fire.

New Climate Leadership in Transportation at the California Assembly
California Assembly Transportation Committee Chair Laura Friedman shares policy priorities for reducing emissions, eliminating traffic fatalities, and improving the connectivity of urban regional light rail in Southern California.

California's Stringent Coronavirus Restrictions Worked
Public health experts credit the controversial L.A. County public health order and the state's regional order, both of which banned outdoor dining, with reducing the viral spread that overwhelmed hospitals with COVID patients last month.

Private Sector Coalition Urges California to Invest in Affordable Housing
A new plan calls for increased funding for housing and supportive services to relieve the state's housing crisis and end homelessness.

The Pandemic Revealed Public Space as 'Essential Infrastructure'
COVID-19 restrictions have highlighted the importance of abundant, multi-use open spaces accessible to all.

The Importance of Regional Parks
Regional parks like Whittier Narrows Recreation Area in Southern California offers something for everyone and are more important than ever in the midst of a pandemic.

New Park Coming to Chinatown in Los Angeles
A new half-acre park is taking shape on a previously undeveloped hillside property in Chinatown, one of the more densely populated and park-poor areas in L.A.

Some Santa Monica City Councilmembers Unhappy With Housing Element Update
Local leaders are challenging state-mandated affordable housing requirements for the 2021-2029 cycle.

'Zoom Towns': Paradigm Shift or Age-Old Pattern?
In California, housing prices have shot up in resort areas like Lake Tahoe and Big Bear and in suburbs like Mountain House and Rancho Cucamonga. Are urbanities fleeing, or are young adults doing what young adults have always done?

Parking Induces Driving, Study Says
New research published in the Urban Studies journal does the difficult work of connecting the dots between parking and driving.

State Preemption Hitting Home for California Cities
Recently approved laws that force cities to take a more proactive approach to the state-mandated Regional Housing Needs Assessment process are beginning to take effect in California.

Los Angeles-to-Coachella Train Service Taking Shape
New intercity rail service is being planned for the desert reaches between Los Angeles and the Palm Springs area.

Outdoor Dining and Indoor Haircuts Return to California
With COVID infections plummeting, Gov. Gavin Newsom surprisingly lifted California's regional stay home order that had imposed the nation's strictest personal and business restrictions during the most deadly phase of the pandemic.

Berkeley to Remove Parking Requirements for Residential Properties
Berkeley is the second city in Northern California to approve landmark zoning reforms so far in 2021.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie