Tuesday, July 23, 2013

VIDEO: Michael Nilsson Earns Advanced APA Certification

Obtaining an advanced specialty certification from the American Planning Association is no easy task, which is why the we are proud to have Mobility Planner, Michael Nilsson, on our team. This past week we learned that Michael passed a rigorous 3-hour exam, the final hurdle in becoming a Certified Transportation PlannerIn order to be eligible to take the exam, candidates must have a minimum of 8 years of experience in Transportation Planning and on average only 40% of those who take the exam actually pass it.

Michael plays a vital role in ensuring that Glendale's transportation system meets the needs of everyone who lives, works and plays in the CityHe has achieved an exceptional level of expertise in his specialized field. This latest accomplishment is a testament to his commitment to professional excellence in the City organization. 


Watch this short video to learn more about Michael's role as the City's Mobility Planner.

South Brand Study Results

The South Brand Boulevard Preferential Parking Study is part of a two and a half year effort to resolve on-street parking issues in the South Brand Boulevard neighborhood. This neighborhood is approximately bound by the south side of Colorado Street, the west side of Glendale Avenue, the north side of San Fernando Road and the east side of Central Avenue.

The primary goal of this effort was to create a comprehensive set of parking solutions for the neighborhood and effectively respond to increasing concerns from area residents regarding the availability of on-street parking. In community meetings there were contrasting opinions and competing interests from local residents and businesses on how to institute a preferential parking program for the South Brand Boulevard area. However, local residents and businesses agreed that the existing guest parking permit program needs to be modified to limit abuse, and both groups agreed that more enforcement is needed to maintain the overall effectiveness of the Preferential Parking Program. No major objections were raised by residents or businesses in regards to district-based preferential parking. 

The study analyzed parking conditions in the neighborhood, surveyed local businesses on employee parking habits and solicited public input at over two dozen community meetings.

The following provisions were implemented based on the public's feedback:

Monday, July 22, 2013

Why's the Greener Glendale Plan So Special?

Last month we announced that the Greener Glendale Plan had received the Award of Excellence for Innovation in Green Community Planning from the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Planning Association (read announcement). So, what sets the Greener Glendale Plan apart from those in other cities? Here's a more detailed look at why we think the plan is so special.

What is the Green Glendale Plan?
Greener Glendale is an innovative plan that sets a new standard for climate action and sustainability planning. It is designed to be replicated by other local governments with limited staff resources. The community benefits from the plan because it directs future City programs and policies to improve environmental quality of life in Glendale.  These policies address air and water quality, parks and trees, more transportation choices, better planned land uses and more.

The Greener Glendale Plan is composed of three documents:
  • Greener Glendale: 2010 Report, which provides an assessment of existing conditions and initial promotion of the project.
  • Greener Glendale for Municipal Operations, which addresses sustainability of the internal operations of the local municipal government, the City of Glendale.  This included participation from every City department within the organization.

Post Office Relocation

Glendale Post Office Proposed Relocation

A message from the U.S. Postal Service concerning the Proposed Relocation of the Glendale Post Office located at 313 E. Broadway. 

Plan Check FAQs


Projects requiring a Building Permit must go through the City’s Plan Check Process. During this process, various City Departments review your project to ensure that it is in compliance with the City's regulations and codes. Plan check plays an important role in ensuring that your finished project is safe and properly designed.

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions which will help you on your way to successfully completing your plan check and your project.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Pride of Buckingham - Volunteer Spotlight

Leticia Gonzalez
Leticia Gonzalez, her neighbor Robin Rose and their husbands, Paul and Ken, joined the City’s Adopt-a-Block Program in July of 2007. They recruited some of their neighbors to pick up litter in their neighborhood and named their group “Pride of Buckingham,” a reflection of the sense of pride and ownership they feel for their Buckingham Road neighborhood. Since then, their adopted area has grown to include parts of Chevy Chase Drive and Linda Vista Avenue. We asked Leticia a few questions about her experience volunteering for the program and her perspectives on being a Glendale resident.

Q: How long have you lived in Glendale & what brought you to the City?
A: I moved to Glendale over 15 years ago to further my career in real estate.

Q: What do you love about Glendale as a whole and about your neighborhood?
A: I love Glendale’s diversity, it’s historic architecture, convenient location to Los Angeles and my neighborhood is fantastic! It’s a small sliver of the “country” in the concrete jungle that is the Los Angeles metropolis. We have wonderful neighbors who share a sense of community and caring unlike any other I've ever experienced. We look after one another and appreciate our canyon, its beauty and wildlife.