We can upkeep homes without punishing low-income residents. Here are some lessons for change, and cities already doing that work on the ground.
Traditional code enforcement systems often rely on fines and penalties that disproportionately burden low-income homeowners while failing to hold absentee corporate owners accountable—contributing to vacancy, abandonment, and neighborhood decline. From Fines to Fixes: Rethinking Code Enforcement argues for a more strategic, equity-centered approach that prioritizes compliance over punishment.
Highlighting innovative work in Peoria, Rochester, and Louisville, the article shows how education, community engagement, data-driven decision-making, and cross-sector partnerships can reduce health hazards, stabilize neighborhoods, and create more effective and humane code enforcement systems.
Read the full story: From Fines to Fixes: Rethinking Code Enforcement
Thrift stores, public libraries and genderless bathrooms: How public amenities become trans infrastructure
Amenities like ample public transit, affordable retail and non-gendered bathroom spaces can make cities more safe and welcoming for transgender residents — and everyone else.
How urban design can deter crime
Well-designed public spaces and good lighting can prevent crime and make residents feel safer.
India’s Women-only ‘Pink Parks:’ Safe Refuge or Segregated Enclaves?
Women-only public spaces can provide safety and community, but critics argue they fail to address deeper structural problems.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan
Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.
Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment
Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.
HUD, USDA agree on framework to simplify housing environmental review standards
Their agreement is a requirement of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.
Cost of water rising at a faster pace than inflation, median household income
California and Maryland residents have seen their water bills grow especially high.
NYC building owners overwhelmingly comply with new emissions limits
The New York City Department of Buildings is fining owners who did not file emissions reports.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
planning NEXT
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello