Utne Reader

Hard Times for Big City Artists

Artists tend to flock to big cities where their art can be bought and appreciated, but economic hard times are sending artists fleeing towards cheaper rents on homes and studio space.

February 1, 2011 - Utne Reader

Secret Prisons in Suburbia

Earlier this year, The Nation uncovered that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holds people in 186 under-the-radar "subfield offices," which the less generous might call "secret immigration detention centers."

October 3, 2010 - Utne Reader

Improving Safety Through Architecture and Public Works in Colombia

This piece from Utne Reader looks at the role of architecture in the public works projects of Medellin, Colombia, a city that has struggled with severe crime.

January 30, 2010 - Utne Reader

'Local' is the New 'Green'

Global corporations like Frito Lay and Barnes and Noble are attempting to co-opt the word 'local' into their branding.

October 21, 2009 - Utne Reader

Giving Nature Rights

This piece from Utne Reader looks at Ecuador's recent extension of inalienable rights to nature and why other countries should follow this lead.

May 13, 2009 - Utne Reader

Top Ten Enlightened Suburbs

Peter Katz and Jay Walljasper pick ten notable suburbs that are breaking the mold and creating new, vibrant communities.

January 26, 2009 - Utne Reader

Blogging the Blight of a Deteriorated Detroit Neighborhood

Amid the citywide blight of Detroit is the City Airport neighborhood -- rife with crime and virtually deserted by residents. But now former residents have begun to write and blog about the neighborhood, its better times and its possible futures.

December 22, 2008 - Utne Reader

Five Unlikely Gay-Friendly Cities

New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles are usually regarded as hotbeds for homosexuals. But five unlikely cities -- in places such as Texas, Oklahoma and Alaska -- show that more gay-friendly cities are coming out of the woodwork.

April 17, 2008 - Utne Reader

Green Housing Meets Low Income

This article from Utne Reader looks at a green housing complex that aimed at an atypical market: low-income residents.

December 10, 2007 - Utne Reader

Public Libraries Act As Refuge For Many

Public libraries are increasingly being called upon to provide disaster services and support for those chronically in need, such as the homeless and seniors, yet their budgets continue to be cut.

January 6, 2007 - Utne Reader

The New Urbanism, Minus The Urban?

A growing number of exclusive gated communities in remote areas, dubbed "The New Ruralism", is raising eyebrows among planners, environmentalists, and local residents.

December 11, 2006 - Utne Reader

Pro-Community Agenda Urged For Democrats In '04

What if next year's Democratic nominee made a big issue out of keeping American communities vital?

September 3, 2003 - Utne Reader

Ten Most Enlightened Suburbs

The Utne Reader offers their list of the ten most 'enlightened' suburbs across the U.S.

March 16, 2003 - Utne Reader

To Fight Sprawl And Smog, Get Rid Of Free Parking

Free parking encourages driving and parking lots make pedestrian and bike travel difficult. Alan Durning offers suggestions to help the nation save oil and reduce car use.

September 21, 2001 - Utne Reader

Motorless In Montreal

In Quebec, bikes are not just a sport but a transport.

March 13, 2001 - Utne Reader

Is Car-sharing In Your Future?

In Portland, a car-sharing service is following a European trend and giving individuals and families another choice to owning a car.

March 12, 2001 - Utne Reader

America's Rail Revival

Commuters and urban dwellers coast-to-coast are climbing aboard new light rail train systems.

March 11, 2001 - Utne Reader

Ford Motor CEO Steering Company Green

William Clay Ford Jr. has spent his first year as Ford chairman outlining his plans for a cleaner, greener Ford Motor Company.

March 10, 2001 - Utne Reader

Hollow City

Dot-com money is draining out the quirkiness and creativity of San Francisco.

January 16, 2001 - Utne Reader

The 10 Most Underrated U.S. Cities

Peter Katz, author of "The New Urbanism: Toward an Architecture of Community" lists ten great U.S. cities that have been overlooked.

January 15, 2001 - Utne Reader

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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

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