Housing
How The Housing Bubble Affected Demographics
Economist Edward L. Glaeser takes a look at how the housing bubble has affected changing populations in the Sun Belt.
A Suburban Bird's Eye View
Metropolis presents a slideshow of photographs by artist Christoph Gielen, who photographs suburban developments from a helicopter.
Why is Prefab Impossible to Get Built?
A new study out in JAPA this week details the fire codes, zoning codes, subdivision regulations, etc., that prevent manufactured housing from being built.
2000 - 2009: The Decade in Planning
The editors' choice of the most significant stories in the realm of urban planning, design and development of the "aughts" (2000-2009). The decade began with one crash and ended with another, but in between we've learned a lot about making cities.
What is the New "Normal" in Housing Prices?
Ed Glaeser argues that housing needs to be viewed as a commodity like any other, rather than an investment.
Black Majority Fades in Harlem
Once the Capital of Black America, Harlem is undergoing a population shift that is taking blacks out of the majority.
Federal Foreclosure Prevention Plan Shows Underwhelming Numbers
A federal plan aimed at helping 3 to 4 million homeowners on the verge of foreclosure has fallen far short of expectations, enabling only about 31,000 loan modifications.
NYT on Housing: "Things Didn't Have to Get this Bad"
This New York Times editorial argues that the present strategy to fix the housing mess isn't working; real relief in the form of principal reduction is needed.
When Home Is 32.5 Sq.Ft: Tokyo Capsules
While the U.S. has its infamous Single Room Occupancy hotels, Tokyo has its "capsule" hotels - making SROs appear downright spacious by comparison. This article and accompanying slide show looks at life for one resident of Capsule Hotel Shinjuku 510.
A Bubble to Burst in China?
As housing costs rise in China, a TV soap opera about the housing hunt has become a runaway hit. And while many in the growing country are concerned about the high cost of housing, some economists fear a burst of the bubble.
Disconnected from Society? Gated Communities: Their Lifestyle versus Urban Governance
Peer Smets (VU University Amsterdam) investigates the socio-cultural impacts of specific patterns of urban segregation (gated communities) on local urban politics and urban governance.
New Research: Effect of Suburban TODs on Surrounding Property Values
Mention 'density' in suburban areas and the knee-jerk reaction is, "there go the property values". But is that really the case? In this study from San Jose State University, 4 suburban TODs are evaluated for their effects on nearby property values.
Guide to Street Vending and Tenants Rights
These two posts from BLDGBLOG look at an innovative project that visually explains the convoluted policies and rules of New York City tenant rights and street vending regulations.
Home Loan Program Fueled Foreclosure Boom in Cleveland
In trying to turn people into homeowners, the city of Cleveland's participation in a federally-funded home loan program greatly exacerbated its foreclosure crisis.
Second Record Year for Foreclosures
By the end of the year, more than 3.9 million homes will have been foreclosed in the U.S., the second year in a row that figures have broken previous records.
Moving Up to a Rental
Former homeowners forced out of their houses are becoming renters. It seems to be a good thing for them -- and the economy.
Four-Year Vacancies in NYC?
The New York City Housing Authority has come under fire because thousands of affordable rental units are sitting vacant, some for years at a time.
130,000 Homeless Veterans
This article, by Dr. Ellen Bassuk of the National Center on Family Homelessness, explores the challenges faced by returning veterans in housing.
Property Values Not Hurt By Proximity to Wind Turbines
According to a new report from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the proximity of homes to wind turbines showed no average negative impact on property values.
Can Homeowners "Save the Dream"?
Andy Kroll wanders through the rubble of California's subprime crisis and finds homeowners waiting 10-12 hours in lines for mortgage relief, plummeting property values, and what may be the seeds of more foreclosures to come.
Pagination
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont