UC Berkeley Extension: New Course: Walkable Transit-Oriented Communities

"New Course at UC Berkeley Extension starting March 11th: SB375 & Transit Oriented Development

Introduction to California’s new regional planning law SB 375 (established by AB32 – now under threat by a ballot measure aimed at repealing it) that attempts to fight global warming by reshaping communities around walkable transit-oriented neighborhoods. Learn how to use the elements of urban design to reduce mobile source emissions (cars and light trucks) with new techniques in regional planning that engage the public in alternative growth strategies. Study existing transit-oriented projects that are already making a difference reducing California’s overwelming reliance on four-wheelers.

We will look closely at the Berkeley Downtown Area Plan debate as an early test case for SB 375 as the livable streets/ eco-regionalists go head to head with the eco-slow growth/ anti-gentrification advocates.

Courtney Miller, M.Arch., LEED AP, is an architect and urban designer who has taught courses in architecture and urban design at the Boston Architectural College and Wentworth Institute of Technology. He was also the chair of ADPSR’s 2008- 2009 Building Ecology Lecture Series.

Textbook for this course: The New Transit Town: Best Practices In Transit-Oriented Development Editors: Hank Ditmar and Gloria Ohland"