A Yale professor explores the evolution of New Haven, Connecticut, drawing conclusions about urbanism as a whole in the process.
In his new book, City: Urbanism and Its End, Yale professor Douglas Rae paints a deep portrait of the rise and fall of New Haven, relying on exhaustive research from personal interviews to statistical analysis. In the end, [he] has provided the blueprint for the next generation of thinkers and city dwellers who debate the future of urban America. Major themes include the need for density and a middle-class to maintain urban vitality. Drawing from his difficult time as an administrator in New Havens City Hall, Rae also concluded that government in general can accomplish a lot less than people realize. Company owners, transportation needs, the spending decisions of federal and state governments and segregation all had a significant impact on New Haven.
Thanks to David Gest
FULL STORY: “Rae of Hope”

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

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The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
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The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
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