Planning policies related to the economy and environment are easier to measure, but Hazel Borys asks, "how do we measure national happiness, well-being, and social capital as they relate to the way we plan our neighborhoods, towns and cities?”
Nov 8, 2012 Better Cities & Towns
Although the findings of a vast, decades-long study into the effectiveness of efforts to decrease the segregation of poor families did not turn up the results social scientists had hoped for, those efforts were successful in unexpected ways.
Sep 22, 2012 The New York Times
The first ever World Happiness Report, published by Columbia University's Earth Institute, reflects a new worldwide demand for more attention to happiness and absence of misery as criteria for government policy.
Apr 2, 2012 The Earth Institute
Richard Florida reports on a new map showing the results of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, which analyzes a number of "happiness" factors on a statewide level.
Feb 28, 2012 The Atlantic Cities
Ariel Schwartz reports on the findings of a new study from Urban Affairs Review that surveyed residents from 10 major international cities on what qualities make them most happy.
Feb 17, 2012 Fast Coexist
Considering the Declaration of Independence and its mention of the "inalienable right" of "happiness", Kaid Benfield wonders what the pursuit of happiness can and should mean for communities.
Jun 30, 2011 The Atlantic
Who's the happiest and healthiest of them all? The New York Times posts an interactive map of the national Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index.
Mar 16, 2011 New York Times
The Oprah Show says San Luis Obispo, California is America's Happiest City, citing urban planning decisions like making the town pedestrian-friendly with wide sidewalks and limiting fast food drive-throughs.
Jan 31, 2011 Oprah.com
The mayor of the small town of Lancaster, California, has proposed broadcasting recordings of bird noises along one of the city's main streets to "make people happier".
Jan 31, 2011 CBS
PlaceMaker Hazel Borys explores what might be the most important metric of sustainable places.
Oct 29, 2010 PlaceShakers
