A new study reveals the biases of the public planning process.
Tim Logan shares news of a new study from researchers at Boston University that analyzed "three years worth of meeting minutes from 97 cities and towns in the region, and found nearly two-thirds of residents who stood up to speak about proposed housing developments."
"The study also dug into who the commenters are, using a variety of public records to estimate age, voting history, and other factors, such as whether people own or rent their home," according to Logan.
That description of the study's methodology admittedly buries the lede on the finding of the study: People who speak at city council meetings on the subject of new development overwhelmingly oppose development. They also tend to be older, more affluent, white homeowners.
Katherine Levine Einstein, a BU political science professor and one of the study’s authors, is quoted in the article describing the disparities between the population that shows up for city council meetings: "These are crazy disparities….Far worse than disparities in voting demographics. Far worse than representation in Congress."
Read the full story: BU researchers examine the NIMBY factor
California Continues its Housing Policy Reinvention
It’s no longer business as usual in California when it comes to planning and developing housing.
Buslash in Salt Lake City
New bus routes planned for Salt Lake City have provoked a vocal political opposition.
Study: Affordable Housing Development Raises Nearby Property Values
More evidence that a common talking point of affordable housing opposition is more fear than fact.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades
The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.
'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide
Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.
Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies
International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.
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.
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello