Two new infill-focused reports are out, with analysis and recommendations to improve deployment of transit-oriented buildings in both Los Angeles and Sonoma County, in the wake of the devastating wildfires there last year.

First, UCLA Lewis Center and LAPlus offer a report on how to encourage more transit-oriented development along rail transit lines in Los Angeles, while minimizing displacement of low-income renters. The report conducts seven case studies in rail neighborhoods around Los Angeles and assesses how various land use policy changes affect development going forward in these locations.

Second, the Council of Infill Builders offers recommendations on how Santa Rosa and Sonoma County can rebuild in a sustainable, downtown-oriented manner, in the wake of the wildfires there that destroyed 5% of the housing stock in Santa Rosa alone. The report discusses the need for greater local support from businesses and cities to promote downtown-oriented living.

While both reports have tailored recommendations for their target geographies, they make similar points. Among them: more zoning for mixed use and denser housing in rail-adjacent areas, with reduced on-site parking requirements.