The first comprehensive look at social capital in a Canadian city reveals lessons for planners and more about what connects citizens to their communities.
"Toronto — a city of more than 2.8 million people where 51 per cent of residents are visible minorities — exhibits remarkably high levels of social capital," reports Laurie Monsebraaten, broadcasting the findings of report released this week by the non-profit Toronto Foundation and Environics Institute for Survey Research.
"Social capital is the 'lubricant' that drives social networks, determines trust and makes it possible for people who may have little in common to live peacefully with each other," explains Monsebraaten. "The foundation hopes the research…will help academics, planners, activists and philanthropists guide investment in communities and help those who are most vulnerable."
Since this was the first study of social capital in a Canadian city, the study raises obvious questions about how Toronto compares to U.S. cities where similar analysis has been completed. "In contrast to some of the research evidence for U.S. cities, this study found no evidence in Toronto that increasing ethnic diversity is linked to lower levels of social capital," quoting directly from the report.
FULL STORY: In Toronto, we trust: Groundbreaking study shows city’s social capital is remarkably high
As Canada Grows, Transit a Key Component of Success
The population in Canada will increase substantially in the future, and transit planning is crucial to ensuring that cities thrive.
Quality of Life Down in Golden State
A new poll of California residents finds that perceived quality of life in the state has dropped.
Americans Moving Less, Getting Rooted
In the 1950s, nearly 1/5 of Americans moved each year. That trend is quickly reversing. Americans are now staying put in greater numbers than at any time since World War II, and experts have plenty of opinions on why that is.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service