Category Archives: Planning and Urban Design

How to Secure Funding for Projects through California’s Climate Adaptation Planning Grant Program

Nicole Flewellen

California state law requires jurisdictions to integrate considerations for climate change and associated risk into General Plans, Climate Adaptation Plans, and Local Coastal Programs. The law also incentivizes the integration of adaptation in Local and Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plans. Collectively, these plans guide the development of long-term community vision, infrastructure investments, community health and safety,

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How a New Toolkit can Help Cities Determine Where to Build More Housing

Nicole Flewellen

The California Department of Housing and Community Development has determined that cities in Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura Counties need to increase their housing supply by 1,344,740 by October 2029. For jurisdictions in these counties, which make up the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) region, this housing shortage and determination

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No Regrets: Community Planning in the Midst of Uncertainty

Nicole Flewellen

Climate change has already impacted communities across the US, however, even with sophisticated models, the where, when, and how severe future impacts will be is still uncertain. For this reason, some municipalities, especially those that lack staff or funds, may be hesitant to undertake highly specific climate resilient projects or implement climate change policies. “No

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7 Tips to Ace the AICP Certification Exam

Nicole Flewellen

The AICP certification exam is held twice a year and tests planners critical thinking skills and ability to foresee consequences and mitigate issues in the context of planning throughout the United States. The test covers five topics areas, including Fundamental Planning Knowledge; Plan Making and Implementation; Areas of Practice; Leadership, Administration, and Management; and AICP

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Environmental Justice Considerations in Climate Action Planning

Nicole Flewellen

In a changing world subject to ever-increasing climate-related hazards, including increased air pollution, extreme heat, sea-level rise, and wildfires, planning and developing projects with a consideration of environmental justice is crucial. Per the EPA, environmental justice (EJ) is “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement” of all people regarding development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws,

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Environmental Permitting for a Complex Downtown Plan

Dudek

When the City of San Marcos received environmental permits to move forward with its 214-acre downtown specific plan built around San Marcos Creek, it culminated 12 years of complex environmental planning and permitting to effectively integrate water quality and native habitat preservation with the development. Dudek served as the City’s lead environmental consultant. The San

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