APA California - Northern

11/02/2026

What We're Reading | October 26–29, 2026

Your commute, neighborhood sidewalks, coastal roads, and new housing—this reading roundup has plenty to explore. See what potential BART station closures could mean for Bay Bridge traffic, how Daxbot robots are mapping sidewalks for South San Francisco’s ADA review, why Humboldt County may stop repairing a coastal road, and the civil rights law dispute involving San Francisco’s Marina Safeway development. Some linked articles may require a subscription.

Read more: https://norcalapa.org/2026/11/what-were-reading-october-26-29-2026-wwr/

Which one would you like to learn more about?

10/26/2026

What We're Reading | October 18—22, 2026

Prop 45 is sparking debate across California — some say it will speed up essential projects, while others worry it could lead to more sprawl. Plus, three big local stories this week: American Canyon is tackling e‑bike safety concerns, Bay Point is getting a new housing project and its first county‑built library in 50 years, and Golden Gate Fields may soon become a new East Bay shoreline park. Lots happening in local planning! Some articles require a subscription.

Read more: https://norcalapa.org/2026/10/what-were-reading-october-18-22-2026-wwr/

10/20/2026

What We're Reading | October 11–16, 2026

What do accessible housing, flood preparedness, affordable development, and dependable bus service have in common? Each plays a major role in keeping Bay Area communities livable and connected.

This week’s roundup looks at Alameda County’s pilot program to help older homeowners age in place through backyard ADUs, California’s proposed affordable apartments near Napa’s Skyline Park, preparations for a potentially powerful El Niño, and the service reductions AC Transit riders could face without new regional funding.

Read the full roundup to learn what these developments could mean for communities across the region—and join the conversation.

Read more: https://norcalapa.org/2026/10/what-were-reading-october-11-16-2026-wwr/

10/12/2026

What We're Reading | October 3–10, 2026

From workforce housing and affordable housing policy to data center growth and climate resilience, these stories examine some of Northern California’s most pressing planning challenges. VTA employees may soon receive preference for affordable homes built on transit agency land, helping reduce long commutes and strengthen workforce retention. A San Francisco Chronicle investigation explores how real estate investors can use California’s welfare property-tax exemption while offering little or no rent relief to tenants. Meanwhile, San Francisco and Oakland are pausing new data center approvals to study energy, water, health, and land-use impacts, while Santa Clara reviews how to manage an industry that contributes millions in local tax revenue. On the North Coast, experts contributing to California’s forthcoming Fifth Climate Assessment discuss how climate change could affect rivers, forests, wildlife, infrastructure, and local communities—and how the region can prepare.

Read more: https://norcalapa.org/2026/10/what-were-reading-october-3-10-2026-wwr/

10/08/2026

What We're Reading | September 26-30, 2026

From affordable housing and zoning to tiny homes and downtown parking, Bay Area communities are making choices that will shape who can live, work, and thrive locally. Mill Valley’s Bayfront Terrace project remains tied up in a debate over housing and segregation. Berkeley approved taller buildings along San Pablo Avenue.

Richmond celebrated a new tiny-home village for unhoused young adults. And San Jose paused street-meter hikes while increasing garage rates after community pushback.

Each story raises the same big question: How can cities grow while protecting affordability, access, and community character?

Read more: https://norcalapa.org/2026/10/what-were-reading-september-26-30-2026-wwr/

09/29/2026

What We're Reading | September 19-24, 2026

A lot is happening in Bay Area infrastructure this week. BART is posting record reliability and rider satisfaction; a new online tool is mapping sea-level-rise projects and funding needs; San Francisco is moving forward with its public-power effort; and a new report warns that transit cuts could send many more cars onto already busy roads. These stories matter because they affect how reliably we get around, how communities prepare for climate risks, and how public services are funded. Which of these issues will have the biggest impact on your community?

Read more: https://norcalapa.org/2026/09/what-were-reading-september-19-24-2026-wwr/

09/25/2026

Northern October Upcoming Events

October adventures are here! Tour El Cerrito Plaza, connect at APA California’s conference, and uncover East Bay water history with EBMUD’s Clifford Chan. Which event will you join?

More information:

🚶‍♀️‍➡️ Tour the El Cerrito Plaza TOD with APA!: https://norcalapa.org/event/tour-the-el-cerrito-plaza-tod-with-apa/
🎊 APA California 2026 Conference: https://norcalapa.org/event/apa-california-2026-conference-registration-is-open/
🚶🏽 City Walk: Water History at Mountain View Cemetery: https://norcalapa.org/event/city-walk-water-history-at-mountain-view-cemetery/

09/22/2026

What We're Reading | September 13–18, 2026

Here are four California stories to follow. Byron Sher, who wrote major state laws on clean air, drinking water, recycling, pollution, and climate policy, died at 98. Napa delayed a decision on the Five-Way Intersection project and asked staff to meet with the family whose “Christmas Tree House” would be demolished under the current proposal. Eureka is drafting rules that could allow smaller data centers in industrial areas while potentially banning larger facilities. San Jose is studying self-checkout rules that could set item limits, staffing ratios, staffed-lane requirements, and merchandise restrictions. Which story are you following?

Read more: https://norcalapa.org/2026/09/what-were-reading-september-13-18-2026-2026-wwr/

09/16/2026

What We're Reading | September 7-11, 2026

Big changes are taking shape across the Bay Area. BART says its new fare gates are contributing to fewer crimes and safety-related delays. Palo Alto is scaling back its rail redesign plans as projected costs climb. Communities are also turning to nature-based infrastructure—such as living shorelines, oyster reefs, and horizontal levees—to prepare for rising seas, with the Bay Area’s first living levee now open at Palo Alto Baylands. And in West Marin, a long-awaited 54-home affordable housing project is moving ahead despite a price tag of about $1 million per home. These stories highlight the difficult choices—and promising ideas—shaping transportation, climate resilience, and housing throughout the region. Which investment do you think will have the greatest impact?

Read more: https://norcalapa.org/2026/09/what-were-reading-september-7-11-2026-2026-wwr/

09/15/2026