Bay Area cities are making decisions that shape housing, transportation, clean energy, and climate resilience. This roundup covers Fremont’s long-stalled housing project, Sunnyvale’s new Beam shared-ride service, Benicia’s potential Valero settlement-funded green transition, and San Francisco’s debate over street-tree requirements and permitting reform.
What We’re Reading | August 31 and September 1-4, 2026 Read More »
Northern’s allied professional organizations offer events and programs in a variety of formats that you may find align well with your professional and continuing education goals.
Allied organizations: Upcoming events and programs Read More »
With California’s 2026 legislative session nearing its August 31 deadline, lawmakers are finalizing budget, climate, and wildfire priorities while hundreds of bills advance to the governor. APA California continues to track nearly 300 measures, provide technical expertise, and advocate for planning professionals statewide.
APA California Legislative Update: August 2026 Read More »
California’s 2026 legislative session concluded with major developments for planners, including proposed environmental justice requirements under AB 1457, new optional funding for local plan updates, and unresolved wildfire liability reforms. APA California is monitoring the Governor’s actions through September 30 and will share implementation guidance and funding details as they become available.
APA California Legislative Update: September 2026 Read More »
This week’s Bay Area stories spotlight a stalled shipyard plan, an unfunded East Oakland shoreline trail, Market Street’s persistent rail-track danger, and a regional transit tax headed to voters—revealing the tough choices behind safer, more accessible, and publicly trusted infrastructure.
What We’re Reading | August 24-28, 2026 Read More »
Northern Section’s allied professional organizations offer events and programs in a variety of formats that you may find align well with your professional and continuing education goals.
Allied organizations: Upcoming events and programs Read More »
Five Bay Area stories reveal how local decisions on school-zone safety, urban trees, affordable housing, and climate-ready transportation are reshaping daily life across the region.
What We’re Reading | August 17-23, 2026 Read More »
From downtown revitalization and workplace robotics to coastal access and river restoration, these four stories reveal how Northern California communities are navigating growth, technology, public lands, and environmental change.
What We’re Reading | August 10-14, 2026 Read More »
An evening of inspiration Northern is delighted to announce the highly anticipated event, the 2026 Awards Gala, a celebration of the exceptional individuals, projects, and plans shaping the future of planning across the region. Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.Place: Fluid510, 1544 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612 This year’s Awards Gala honors
2026 Northern Awards Gala: Celebrating Planning Excellence Across the Region Read More »
California lawmakers return from summer recess on August 31 for a fast-paced final month of session. APA California is tracking nearly 300 planning-related bills, providing technical feedback, and advocating for effective implementation—stay connected for legislative updates and opportunities to engage.
APA California Legislative Update: July 2026 Read More »
