West Hollywood’s Cultural Vision for LA28: “Inventing Traditions” and Leading the Arts

As preparations for LA28 advance—including a forthcoming executive order from President Donald Trump to establish a federal task force supporting the Games—West Hollywood stands out as the first city to adopt a fully funded, multi-year Cultural Plan. Spearheaded by Arts Manager Rebecca Ehemann and shaped by Laura Zucker of AEA Consulting, the plan emphasizes creativity, inclusion, and civic identity. Themed “Inventing Traditions,” it fosters local and international cultural collaborations tied to the Games. The initiative positions West Hollywood as a model for leveraging the Olympics to create a lasting cultural legacy.

Freshman Assemblymember Nick Schultz Brings Experience & Fresh Eyes to the State Legislature

Representing California's 44th District, in this timely interview, Assemblymember Nick Schultz reflects on his transition from local office to state government and the challenges amid fiscal constraints and climate urgency. Schultz emphasizes the importance of proactive constituent engagement, independent legislative thinking, and ensuring that local governments are equipped with both the mandates and resources needed to deliver results.

Strong Towns: What Happens When Housing Prices Go Down?

Continuing TPR’s coverage debunking the conventional wisdom dominating the housing policy debate and degrading local control over planning and land use, TPR excerpts this essay from Strong Towns Founder, Charles Morohn, for its insightful examination of the market dynamics that affect—and require—increasing housing costs beyond simple supply-side economics.

Dear Atlantic: Stop Publishing Propaganda on Housing. It's Too Important

In a sharply worded response to The Atlantic’s recent piece The Biggest Myth About the YIMBY Movement, Patrick Condon—James Taylor Chair in Landscape and Livable Environments at the University of British Columbia—rebukes what he calls the magazine’s “housing propaganda” and urges a more evidence-based debate on affordability. We support and share a related open letter from 27 well-known Metro Vancouver scholars, retired city planners, urbanists, developers and architects sent to Prime Minister Carney and Housing Minister Gregor Robertson, shared to us by Condon.

Rick Caruso: Accelerating LA’s Recovery & Restoring Trust

The Planning Report shares a candid and timely interview with Rick Caruso, who reflects on lessons from decades of community-centered development and elaborates on the work he’s undertaken to assist LA’s wildfire recovery.

Bay Area Council Report on The Economic Impact of Mass Deportation in California

TPR excerpts this latest report from the Bay Area Council Economic Institute on how shifting federal immigration enforcement policies and expanded immigration enforcement could impact California’s economy.

LADBS GM Osama Younan on Palisades Fire Rebuild: Speed, Safety & Self-Certification

TPR spoke with City of Los Angeles’ Department of Building & Safety General Manager Osama Younan about the department’s critical role in both emergency response and the long-term rebuilding efforts in the Palisades.

LAEDC Manufacturing Matters Panel: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

At the June LAEDC Board of Governor’s meeting, leaders from across LA’s manufacturing landscape gathered to assess the state of manufacturing in Los Angeles and offer a grounded view of the opportunities and barriers to re-shoring production and growing local industry and small businesses.