In Australia, a new study will determine the best ways to make high-density developments healthy places to live.

A team of academics from several Australian universities have begun a two-and-a-half year study to determine the best strategies for designing high-density developments that promote physical and mental health—specifically type 2 diabetes, heart disease and depression.
According to one of the principle designers of the study, "There is a lack of research in Australia and around the world on what is needed to ensure people can live healthy, sustainable lives in an increasingly urbanised environment. There are a lot of questions we don't have the answers to.”
Density and sprawl have become important topics in Australian cities, where, as in the United States, urban land values have grown significantly and affordable housing is getting pushed out.
Though there are the risks of increased air pollution and social isolation, a number of studies have demonstrated the health benefits of density—mainly because it means more transit, more walking, and often, more social interaction. Or at least, as Planetizen contributor Michael Lewyn recently concluded, downtown won’t kill you.
FULL STORY: Urban planning being investigated in preventing type 2 diabetes in Australia

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan
The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

E-Scooter Parking: A Guide
How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.

‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana
Legislation would fix transportation district issue, allow for greater reach on city bus routes.

Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities
An index ranks U.S. cities based on their preparedness for the ‘smart city future.’
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions