Author name: Francine Pimentel

What We’re Reading | July 20-24, 2026

Across the Bay Area and Central Coast, this week’s stories point to the interconnected challenges shaping local communities: persistent housing affordability pressures in Santa Cruz County, job losses across California and the Bay Area, expanded downtown planning in Redwood City, student-led advocacy for cooler East Bay schoolyards, and Oakland’s slow rollout of community-driven traffic safety projects. Together, they highlight the importance of coordinated planning, climate resilience, economic stability, and safer public spaces.

What We’re Reading | July 20-24, 2026 Read More »

What We’re Reading | July 13-17, 2026

This week’s roundup highlights major developments shaping transportation, housing, infrastructure, and economic growth across the region. In East Oakland, a new stretch of the East Bay Greenway is complete, expanding safer walking and biking connections while underscoring the need for continued investment and maintenance. BART earned national recognition for fiscal responsibility amid ongoing transit funding challenges, while Brisbane faces state intervention over delayed housing plans at the Baylands. Meanwhile, California Forever is renewing its push for a new Solano County city and shipyard, drawing both support for potential jobs and scrutiny over environmental review, local control, and transparency. Together, these stories show how decisions about land use, mobility, public finance, and regional planning continue to shape the Bay Area’s future.

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What We’re Reading | July 5-10, 2026

This week’s roundup highlights major developments shaping transportation, housing, infrastructure, and economic growth across the region. In East Oakland, a new stretch of the East Bay Greenway is complete, expanding safer walking and biking connections while underscoring the need for continued investment and maintenance. BART earned national recognition for fiscal responsibility amid ongoing transit funding challenges, while Brisbane faces state intervention over delayed housing plans at the Baylands. Meanwhile, California Forever is renewing its push for a new Solano County city and shipyard, drawing both support for potential jobs and scrutiny over environmental review, local control, and transparency. Together, these stories show how decisions about land use, mobility, public finance, and regional planning continue to shape the Bay Area’s future.

What We’re Reading | July 5-10, 2026 Read More »

Legislative Milestone: 21st century ROAD to Housing Act enacted & Federal policy update

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing crosses the finish line to become law. APA is analyzing key provisions of the legislation and will provide guidance on what it means for planners and their communities. Additionally, APA will continue working with planners, local governments, and federal partners to help communities put the law into practice and expand housing opportunities.

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What We’re Reading | June 26–July 2, 2026

This week’s roundup highlights major developments shaping transportation, housing, infrastructure, and economic growth across the region. In East Oakland, a new stretch of the East Bay Greenway is complete, expanding safer walking and biking connections while underscoring the need for continued investment and maintenance. BART earned national recognition for fiscal responsibility amid ongoing transit funding challenges, while Brisbane faces state intervention over delayed housing plans at the Baylands. Meanwhile, California Forever is renewing its push for a new Solano County city and shipyard, drawing both support for potential jobs and scrutiny over environmental review, local control, and transparency. Together, these stories show how decisions about land use, mobility, public finance, and regional planning continue to shape the Bay Area’s future.

What We’re Reading | June 26–July 2, 2026 Read More »

La Pulga’s Future: Preserving Culture and Identity in a Changing San José

San José State urban planning students evaluated relocation options for La Pulga, the historic Berryessa Flea Market in San José. Through vendor surveys, customer outreach, and site analysis, the La Pulga planners studied how future sites could preserve this vital cultural marketplace, support local vendors, and strengthen community planning in East San José.

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State of Sustainability and Urban Planning in the San Francisco Bay Area

San Francisco Bay Area leads in sustainable urban planning, blending growth with bold environmental policies, green building, and innovative projects. Regional cooperation and equity are central to overcoming challenges like climate resilience and housing. The region’s technical expertise and collaborative spirit offer a model for cities worldwide.

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