Social / Demographics

Close-up of Californis state capitol dome with U.S., California, and POW/MIA flags on flagpole.

California's Lone Ballot Measure: Too Close To Call

Unlike on prior election days, California voters had only one state proposition to decide on March 5, a combination $6 billion general obligation bond and a restructuring of an income surtax, both dealing with behavioral health and homelessness.

March 15, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Close-up on dozens of anti-climate change signs at protest with people not visible.

Resilience Matters: Building Sustainable Futures

A new e-book highlights the work of people and organizations planning more resilient cities.

March 14, 2024 - Island Press

View down California Street in San Francisco, California with Chinatown pagoda buildings and golden hour sky in background.

Is Inequality Destroying American Cities?

A recent video claimed that high income inequality is the “Thing That Will Destroy Our Cities.” Is this true?

March 13, 2024 - Michael Lewyn

A sign for SMART Bus on a pole.

Website Streamlines Michigan Transit Information

The tool is designed to help people with disabilities navigate the state’s complex public transit network.

March 12, 2024 - Second Wave Michigan

Hazy view of Interstate 5 freeway in Los Angeles, California.

Study: Air Pollution Disproportionately Impacts Communities of Color

The negative effects of poor air quality occur at higher rates in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, according to new research.

March 7, 2024 - George Washington University

Grandparents walking with young grandchild through park with fall foliage.

Feds Award Senior Housing Grants; Experts Say More is Needed

A federal infusion of cash could help create more affordable housing for seniors, but many still struggle to afford housing.

March 6, 2024 - Morningstar

Three EMTs in orange uniforms putting gurney with person onto ambulance at night under freeway overpass.

Study: Unhoused People at Much Higher Risk of Death

The mortality rate among people experiencing homelessness jumped by 203 percent between 2011 and 2020.

March 5, 2024 - Governing

Los Angeles County Moves to Open Schoolyards to Public Uses

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors just approved a motion to extend and expand an agreement with the L.A. Unified School District for the use of recreational facilities at Walnut Park Elementary School.

March 4, 2024 - Supervisor Janice Hahn

Ice fishing tents surrounded by fence in Safe Outdoor Space for unhoused people in parking lot in Denver, Colorado.

An Affordable Housing Model for Indigenous Americans

Indigenous people make up a disproportionately high percentage of the unhoused population, but many programs designed to assist them don’t reach those most in need.

March 1, 2024 - High Country News

Graphic of person's hands with 2024 in middle against backdrop of city skyline and golden hour sky with rays coming through.

Planning Trends to Watch in 2024

Post-pandemic clarity — and sheer necessity — may be bringing some of the most urgent issues of recent years to a head.

February 28, 2024 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up of mobile phone with Airbnb and VRBO app icons.

Running Rampant: How Short-Term Rentals Impact Communities With Loose Restrictions

Brendan O’Brien, author of “Homesick,” talks with us about his new book and what he's learned about the effects of short-term rentals in communities like Flagstaff, Arizona; Bozeman, Montana; and St. George, Utah.

February 28, 2024 - Shelterforce Magazine

Overhead view of young children looking at plants growing in raised planter box.

Creating More Green Schoolyards in Los Angeles

Led by the Trust for Public Land, the “28×28” Initiative seeks to green 28 schools in Los Angeles by the 2028 Olympics.

February 27, 2024 - Spectrum News 1

Watts Towers, Los Angeles.

Representing Watts

Not only is JuJu Watkins restoring glory back to USC Women's Basketball, she is also proudly representing Watts where she grew up and where her family has deep roots.

February 26, 2024 - Sports Illustrated

View of downtown Los Angeles from elevated hillside with palm trees in foreground and pink sky.

Planning for Trees in Los Angeles

The County and City of Los Angeles are working together on community engagement efforts for their Urban Forest Management Plans (UFMPs).

February 21, 2024 - LAist

Aerial view of low-rise neighborhood near ocean in South Bay, Los Angeles, California.

Enhancing Public Services to LA's Unincorporated Areas

The County of Los Angeles recently launched a website to better connect residents of unincorporated areas to information and municipal services offered by the county.

February 20, 2024 - County of Los Angeles

Screen shot of map from Wisconsin PFAS Interactive Data Viewer.

New Book Highlights How GIS Improves Outcomes

Esri Press recently published a digital book called Mapping the Nation which demonstrates how a geographic approach guides important decisions and addresses challenges around the globe.

February 20, 2024 - ESRI

Close-up of signs being held up at climate change protest

Report: 100 Trends Urban Planners Need to Know About

APA’s third annual Trend Report for Urban Planners is out and offers a comprehensive look at potential drivers of change that could impact communities and the work of planners for decades to come.

February 11, 2024 - American Planning Association

Two people holding sign that says "house keys not handcuffs" during an anti-homelessness event in Los Angeles, California

Homelessness on the Rise, but Pockets of Hope Exist

‘Housing First’ and other evidence-driven homelessness response programs are showing success in some cities and regions while the number of unhoused people rises across the nation.

February 8, 2024 - Brookings

Small tents set up on sidewalk by unhoused people next to boarded-up one-story industrial building in San Francisco, California.

The Point-in-Time Homelessness Count, Explained

Each year, cities across the nation undertake a massive effort to physically count their unhoused residents.

February 6, 2024 - KQED

Close-up of pink cherry blossoms with red Lunar New Year banner.

Parks and Gardens as Spaces to Celebrate Lunar New Year

Parks and gardens serve as communal spaces that bring people together. As such, there are good reasons for them to host events and activities that celebrate Lunar New Year, an important festival deeply rooted in Asian cultures.

February 4, 2024 - National Recreation and Park Association Open Space Blog

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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.