By Richard Davis, AICP Candidate, August 17, 2026
Across California, practical solutions and urgent challenges are reshaping how communities plan for the future. Wealthy Bay Area cities are making housing progress through accessory dwelling units; earthquake experts are warning that a major event could carry a staggering economic toll; free heat pumps are helping low-income households stay safe during extreme heat; and a new mobility and curb data guidebook is giving public agencies tools to better manage increasingly complex streets. Together, these stories show why thoughtful policy, targeted investment, and accessible data matter for creating more resilient, equitable, and adaptable communities.
Downtown San Jose is still searching for the mix of jobs, housing, retail, food, and experiences that will draw steady crowds. This article examines the development and economic forces behind the city center’s vibrancy challenge—and what might help turn it around.
Published by: Mercury News
San Mateo County is considering a permit system for humanoid robots used commercially, aiming to track their rollout and assess risks ranging from safety concerns to job displacement. The proposal could make the county an early model for responsible local oversight of emerging workplace technology.
Published by: KQED
Don Horsley County Park opens a once-private 58-acre stretch of coast to the public, with scenic overlooks, picnic areas, accessible trails, and access to nearly a mile of sandy beach. The long-awaited park combines recreation with protection for a rugged and sensitive coastal landscape.
Published by: San Francisco Chronicle
Tribes, farmers, and environmental advocates are finding common ground around plans to remove two aging Eel River dams. If the project proceeds, it could restore fish habitat and cultural connections while creating one of the nation’s longest free-flowing rivers—though major regulatory and political hurdles remain.
Published by: KQED