1) In this article from the Washington Post the new bill by a Sacramento area legislator that would give priority to urban development over suburban, is discussed.
An excerpt.
“LOS ANGELES -- California is poised to pass the first law in the nation linking greenhouse gas emissions to urban planning, a departure from the growth approach that spawned the state's car culture and urban sprawl.
“The measure, known as SB375, aims to give existing and new high-density centers where people live, work and shop top priority in receiving local, state and federal transportation funds. The idea is that such developments check sprawl and ease commutes, in turn cutting the car pollution wafting through the Golden State.
“Authored by Sen. Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), the bill reflects California's push to slash its greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020. Sponsors say the measure is part of a much-needed growth policy for a state whose population is expected to swell to 50 million from the current 38 million in two decades.
"Many places across the country have realized that if you just build spread-out developments, with the expectation that everyone will have to drive for everything, it should be no surprise when the result is excessive burning of gasoline," said David Goldberg, spokesman for Smart Growth America, a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit group that helps cities and towns plan more workable, environmentally friendly growth.
"SB375 breaks new ground, because it specifically links that pattern of development to excess driving and what we need to do to address climate change," he said.
“Two years of intense negotiations have satisfied several critics of the bill and galvanized support from an unusual alliance of environmentalists, home builders, local governments and affordable-housing advocates.
“But other home builders and several business groups are among the bill's opponents. They say it adds a new layer to an already complicated approval process, opens projects up to delays and frivolous litigation, and could threaten the state's economy.
"It will hamper or completely stop infrastructure throughout the state. It will jeopardize buildings, the transfer of goods and services," said Tom Holsman, chief executive of the Associated General Contractors of California, which is joined by the California Chamber of Commerce, the California Grocers Association and the California Retailers Association in opposing the bill.”
2) This article about car sharing in the central city is a great idea. Several years ago when I lived downtown, I didn’t have a car and got around fine, riding my bike to work and walking most other places, then renting a car when needed.
However, I was also single at the time, and that is the preferred demographic for downtown living, along with childless couples, the retired, and students who can afford the cost.
An excerpt.
“You've got groceries to get at Safeway, laundry at the cleaners and that French restaurant to check out in the suburbs, but, no car.
“Soon, that may not be a problem thanks to an intriguing urban trend being studied for Sacramento.
“Just walk to a nearby parking lot, swipe a plastic card in a "members-only" car, drive it like it was yours for a few hours, then drop it off where you got it.
“Welcome to the eco-friendly world of car sharing, a European concept getting traction in larger American cities from San Francisco to New York City.
“Sacramento city officials have talked recently with two companies – one a nonprofit, the other for-profit – about bringing some form of car sharing to the central city.
"It sounds like a really cool idea," city transportation official Linda Tucker said. "It could be a good fit for the midtown area. It affords people the use of a vehicle without the expense of owning it."
“Tucker said Sacramento officials are only beginning to explore the idea, and aren't sure if it will pencil out here.
“But as more lofts and condominiums are packed into downtown, car sharing could help the city and developers reduce exorbitant parking costs, they say.”
