Neighborhood connections and animal companions matter to aging with dignity, and how we build can support them. Here’s a human-scale proposal for aging in place.
Paws & Porchlight is a new housing concept from the Utah Manufactured Housing Coalition designed to meet the emotional and practical needs of older adults who want to age in place — with their pets and their dignity intact. The proposal features 12 small, energy-efficient cottage homes arranged along a walkable path, each with a porch, a yard, and access to communal spaces like a dog run and garden.
Built for speed, affordability, and community, these HUD-compliant manufactured homes can be installed in under 90 days at around $100,000 per unit. The goal isn’t high density—it’s high quality of life. The project responds to a growing crisis: aging adults being forced into housing that separates them from pets, community, and familiarity.
Paws & Porchlight envisions a village — not a facility — where people can grow old in place, keep their companions, and stay connected to the neighborhoods they helped build.
FULL STORY: Porches, Pets, and the People We Grow Old With
Building Age-Friendly Homes
Designing for the unique needs of elderly people can help them maintain social connections and mental acuity.
Homelessness Among Maryland Seniors Rose 77 Percent Since 2018
The high cost of housing is pushing many older adults into homelessness, while shelters are not equipped to address their specific needs.
'An Adult Day Care on Every Corner:' Aging in the Rio Grande Valley
In a region where most people “age in place,” facilities offering services and socialization give primary caregivers a much-needed break.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Supporting Cycling Takes More Than Just Bike Lanes
Safe, protected bike lanes are a key part of a city’s bike infrastructure — but secure parking, e-bike charging, and other amenities can also influence people’s shift to cycling.
Judge Blocks Anti-DEI Rules for Transportation, Housing Grants
A second injunction blocks the Trump administration from enforcing new regulations for federal funding.
Unhoused People in San Jose Could Face Arrest if They Refuse Shelter
A policy proposed by the city’s mayor would give law enforcement the option to arrest homeless residents if they refuse three offers of housing.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)