Efforts are being made to preserve and protect navigable canals in Bangkok from falling victim to haphazard development and pollution.
While the City of Bangkok's population increased 10- fold since the 1950's, more than half of its major navigable canals, known as klongs, have been filled in for roads and development.
In the past, the klongs housed floating restaurants and markets. "The changes have affected more than the merchants along the canals. Houses, once constructed to face the water, now turn their backs, opening onto alleys instead."
In addition, "Bangkok's population boom and the reduction in waterways taxed the remaining canals, filling many of them with sewage and making them unsuitable for anything but transportation. People who once used canal water every day will now hardly touch it."
Thanks to Connie Chung
FULL STORY: Bangkok's canals, once its lifeline, losing ground to urban sprawl

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie