Successful and ongoing work for land-use planning that will transform urban core neighborhoods into thriving, livable, and healthy communities
Increasing WUI and sprawl development places more people at risk of wildfire and more habitat at risk of destruction.
PCL believes in the protection of open space and native ecosystems, both for public greenspace access and for critical species preservation.
We fight on both the state and local level to make smarter, more climate-ready choices for our land use and transportation planning.
At the Planning and Conservation League (PCL), our commitment to sustainable land use and conservation in California has left a lasting impact. Explore our journey through the years, from past achievements to ongoing initiatives shaping the future of our state.
Growth pressures along the coast, in the Sierra, and throughout the Central Valley are not just threatening local communities, wildlife, and public health; they’re endangering the very basis of our natural environments. PCL and our partners stand united to reshape land use patterns that have, for too long, favored unchecked development.
Every day, PCL fights for statewide land use policies that prioritize community values and make our state more livable, prosperous, and environmentally sustainable. We empower communities across California to have their voices heard in decision-making, creating local development processes that prioritize community needs, sustainable practices, and conservation.
California’s Land Use
The impact of outdated land use and transportation policies in California extends beyond urban development. California prides itself on climate leadership, but our laws push a dependence on car usage, ever-rising vehicle miles traveled (VMT), and the disappearance of wildlands. At PCL, we recognize that thoughtful land use planning is crucial for the survival of our communities, the health of our natural environments, and the success of our most critical climate goals.
By championing policies that support sustainable and community driven growth , we protect coastlines, rivers, and special places like Lake Tahoe and the Big Sur Coast. PCL safeguards against the encroachment of rising VMT, advocating for public transportation priorities and smart planning to counter the detrimental – and rising – effects of excessive automobile reliance. Our fight extends to legislation that limits unsafe development in flood and fire-prone areas, a critical step in defending our communities and environments from preventable climate disaster.
While striving for positive change, PCL recognizes the critical challenges inherent in the current land use landscape.
One of the pressing challenges is the scarcity of affordable housing for low income and moderate income households. PCL acknowledges the urgent need to address this issue, advocating for policies and strategies that promote inclusivity and affordability in housing.
The pursuit of less expensive and cost-effective land is driving developments, often compromising sustainability and community well-being.
Existing land use and transportation policies tend to encourage growing urban sprawl, with huge environmental and social consequences.
The lack of sufficient funding and tax incentives for equitable and sustainable infill, including housing, poses a significant obstacle. PCL advocates for increased financial support and incentives to encourage responsible and sustainable infill development, fostering vibrant and connected communities.
Our unwavering dedication to shaping a sustainable future for California remains steadfast. Our long-term goals serve as a timeless blueprint for our ongoing efforts in the realm of land use and transportation.
We’re at the forefront of the battle for smart transportation funding, pushing for efficient and sustainable transportation systems at the local level.
Rewarding Local Plans that Meet Regional Metrics Passage of AB 939 – Integrated Waste Management Act
PCL successfully advocated for the passage of the Integrated Waste Management Act (AB 939), laying the groundwork for more sustainable waste management practices in California.
Proposition 117 – Ban on Trophy Hunting of Mountain Lions
Taking a stand for wildlife preservation, PCL played a pivotal role in the passage of Proposition 117, which permanently banned trophy hunting of mountain lions, contributing to the conservation of California’s diverse fauna.
Proposition 70 – Funding for Parks and Coastal Areas
PCL’s efforts culminated in the passage of Proposition 70, allocating $776 million for the acquisition and development of parks, open space, and coastal areas. This marked a significant investment in preserving California’s natural treasures.
Preserving Critical Lands within the Tejon Ranch
In collaboration with conservation organizations, PCL achieved a landmark agreement to permanently protect 240,000 acres of the historic Tejon Ranch. This initiative, undertaken in a specific year, ensures connectivity between the Coastal Range, Central Valley, Sierra Nevada, and Mojave Desert.
As we write and publish this Capital Insider, PCL is making the rounds to dozens of Capitol offices to convince members to cast the most responsible votes for their constituents and California’s communities.
A push for a fix to SB 131. What emerged from our engagement with legislators over the fall and winter is this year’s SB 954 by Senator Blakespear.
One thing is guaranteed when it comes to water in California – an annual flood of legislation related to this precious public resource. A quick search of the legislature’s information portal, LegInfo, returns over 600 bills relating to water in 2026…
Among PCL’s many interests this legislative session, a top priority is Senator Cabaldon’s SB 1087, seeking to update the historic 2008 bill, SB 375 – The Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act.
