Exclusives

Low shot of pedestrians and a bike crossing a striped crosswalk.

BLOG POST

Applying a Sustainable Transportation Hierarchy

To be equitable and efficient, transportation planning must apply a sustainable transportation hierarchy that prioritizes affordable, healthy, and resource-efficient mobility options.

January 8 - Todd Litman

Amtrak train passing over bridge on Alviso Marsh near San Jose, California.

FEATURE

Planning Year in Review 2023: Zoning Reform, a Rail Revolution, and Climate Realities

Last year’s most talked-about planning issues and news.

January 8 - Diana Ionescu

Older Black woman with glasses and braids sitting on city bus, looking out window.

FEATURE

Book Excerpt: Climate Resilience for an Aging Nation

The challenge of adapting our communities to climate change is complex and urgent – but taking the time to recenter our collective efforts in the needs of older adults will be effective in reducing their risk and making all of us more resilient.

January 4 - Danielle Arigoni

Rendering of Park Station mixed-use development in Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois.

FEATURE

Commentary: A Vision for Responsible Neighborhood Revitalization

The first project under Chicago’s Woodlawn Housing Preservation Ordinance is taking shape, aiming to bring new housing and retail to the neighborhood while avoiding displacement.

December 20 - Richard Whitney

Protected two-way cycletrack on street in London, UK with red double-decker bus in background.

FEATURE

Share the Road

How to reimagine the public realm for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

December 19 - Alison Sant


Green lawn in city park full of people sitting on lawn chairs with urban high-rises in background.

BLOG POST

All We Want for the Holidays is…

Here are a dozen timely gift ideas for creating better communities.

December 15 - Todd Litman

Close-up of hand scrolling through text website on tablet lying on table.

FEATURE

Planetizen’s Top Posts of 2023

The most-read articles on Planetizen in 2023.

December 14 - Diana Ionescu


View of city skyline with overlay of icons indicating smart city connectivity.

BLOG POST

How Smart Cities Influence Real Estate Investment

By integrating technology and infrastructure, smart cities are attracting investors with their potential for improved quality of life, efficient resource management, and innovative urban development projects.

December 14 - Devin Partida

Weather station against stormy sky.

BLOG POST

Commentary: How AI Can Build Safer Cities

From predictive policing to smart surveillance systems, AI-powered technologies are driving the creation of safer cities by enabling proactive crime prevention and efficient emergency response.

December 12 - Devin Partida

Colorful murals in freeway underpass in San Diego's Chicano Park.

FEATURE

Opinion: Enhancing Inclusive Development: The Crucial Role of the Creative Class in Urban Planning

How bringing local artists into the development process can foster more vibrant, equitable neighborhoods.

December 11 - Wells Davis

View of aerial tram cars at Oakland Zoo with Oakland, California neighborhoods in background.

BLOG POST

Aerial Cable Cars as Urban Transport

While often thought of as only for tourists in mountain areas, aerial cable cars have proven to be effective in providing transportation in urban areas, such as across rivers in New York City and freeways in Portland.

December 8 - World Transport Policy and Practice

Elevated view of five windcatcher ventilation towers on rooftops in Yazd, Iran.

FEATURE

How Design Can Help Mitigate Extreme Heat

To prepare for hotter summers, designers and architects can build resilience into the urban environment.

December 6 - Sheba Ross

Close-up of old-fashioned blue double parking meter against red brick wall.

BLOG POST

Want Less Traffic and More Parking? Start Charging for It!

Cities often fail to effectively manage parking—and the public pays for it.

December 5 - Marcelo Remond

Red sign with white text opposing Minneapolist 2040 rezoning plan.

BLOG POST

Magical Thinking and NIMBYism

Comparing different types of NIMBYism and where they go wrong.

November 28 - Michael Lewyn

stack of books

FEATURE

Planetizen’s Top Planning Books of 2023

The world is changing, and planning with it.

November 24 - Planetizen Team

Row of brick three-story townhomes in Britih Columbia.

BLOG POST

More Affordable Housing for People, Less for Cars

Most jurisdictions have off-street parking requirements that increase motorists’ convenience but reduce housing affordability. It’s time to reform these policies for the sake of efficiency and fairness.

November 20 - Todd Litman

College students walking on green lawn with neoclassical red brick domed building in background on University of Illinois campus.

BLOG POST

Why College Campuses Make Ideal Models for Cities

College campuses serve as ideal models for cities, with their integrated infrastructure, vibrant communities, sustainability initiatives, and innovation hubs inspiring urban planning and development for a brighter future.

November 16 - Devin Partida

View of Gateway Arch and skyline of St. Louis, Missouri.

BLOG POST

How Public-Private Partnerships Shape Urban Development

Explore the significant role of public-private partnerships in shaping urban development and driving collaboration and innovation for sustainable city growth.

November 14 - Devin Partida

View of Brooklyn Bridge at night from Brooklyn alley with multi-story buildings and parked cars.

FEATURE

Can Brooklyn Change the Conversation on Comprehensive Planning in New York?

The Comprehensive Plan for Brooklyn is the largest comprehensive planning effort by land area in the U.S. since L.A. updated its plan in the 2000s, and the latest attempt to advance comprehensive planning in a city that has grown cynical about it.

November 14 - Mark H. McNulty

Trinity Railway Express train painted with Texas flag at station in Dallas, Texas.

FEATURE

Revitalizing Texas: Sustainable Rail Solutions

An argument for why investing in trains is the key to sustainable growth and economic success in the Lone Star State.

November 8 - Mustafa Haque

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Websites

The best of the Internet—since 2002.

Top Apps

Planning apps for a brave new world.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

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