Urban Convergence

Smart City Radio show asks the question: "Does sprawl make us fat?"

1 minute read

September 5, 2003, 1:00 PM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


You've probably been reading about the new study that points to life in car-dependent suburbs as one possible culprit for expanding waistlines. But Dr. Richard Jackson, who until last week headed the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Environmental Health, says much more is at risk: diabetes, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, even depression. All of these diseases may be linked to sprawl. In the second half of this week's show, host Carol Colletta will talk to Melanie Adams and Bill Carson. They are convening Urban Convergence, a first-ever event planned for St. Louis October 3-5 that will bring together young leaders from across the country who are attempting grassroots urban renewal in their own communities. Listen live on the Web Saturdays at 8 a.m. and Sundays at noon. In Memphis and the Mid-South, tune into 91.1, WKNO FM, Sundays at 9 a.m., or on 88.9, WKNA FM, Saturdays at 8 a.m. and Sundays at noon. Or listen to archived shows online anytime.

Thanks to Chris Steins

Thursday, September 4, 2003 in Smart City

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

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.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Green painted bike lane with striped buffer between car lane and curb parking lane.

Why Bike Lanes Are Good: An Explainer for the US Transportation Secretary

Sean Duffy says there’s no evidence that bike lanes have benefits. Streetsblog — and federal agencies’ own data — beg to differ.

1 hour ago - Streetsblog USA

Yellow electric school bus with preteen students exiting.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses

The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

April 25 - Associated Press

City Hall building in Austin, Texas.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund

A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

April 25 - Spectrum Local News