In light of last week's incomprehensible tragedy in Colorado, Richard Florida prefaces the inevitable rekindling of the country's debate on gun rights by mapping gun violence at the state level and exploring its correlating factors.
Florida, and colleague Zara Matheson at the Martin Prosperity Institute, map the incidences of gun violence in America (including accidents and suicides) by state, based on the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [PDF]. What they found was that Colorado's rate of deaths by firearms (10.3 deaths by per 100,000 people) was identical to the national average, somewhere between the state with the most, Alaska at 20.9 per 100,000, and the least, Hawaii at 3.1 per 100,000.
Florida also makes mention of some of his prior research on the factors and psychogeography associated with gun deaths. Of note if, as anticipated, gun laws become an issue in the current presidential campaign, Florida notes that his research found a correlation between state policies toward guns and gun ownership:
"Firearm deaths are significantly lower in states with stricter gun
control legislation. Though the sample sizes are small, we find
substantial negative correlations between firearm deaths and states that
ban assault weapons (-.45), require trigger locks (-.42), and mandate
safe storage requirements for guns (-.48)."
FULL STORY: The Geography of Gun Violence
Colorado is Using Free E-Bikes to Fight Climate Change
A state program is giving free electric bikes to residents in an effort to provide more transportation options and reduce dependence on cars.
An American Lockdown
Words matter. Road safety advocates know that "crashes are not accidents." Similarly, calling coronavirus restrictions "lockdowns," fails to distinguish the severity among public health orders. On January 6, America experienced a true lockdown.
Denver Looks to Landmark Designation Changes
In the aftermath of a battle around preservation of a Denver diner, local officials are considering changes to the city’s historic landmark law.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie