Special issue of CYE seeks to increase children's freedom of movement. Topics include fostering environmentalism, school buses, gender differences in walking to school, and "reclaiming the street" for children [PDFs available].
"Research demonstrates that children's limited mobility can cause problems. Of course, children themselves suffer from their restricted outdoor activities. It has been widely documented that children benefit from playing outdoors and moving around freely. It facilitates development of their physical, social and cognitive competencies. Recently, children's (lack of) physical exercise has also gotten a great deal of attention; Child obesity is becoming a public health problem.
But not only children suffer when their freedom of movement is restricted. Parents struggle with the daily burden of constantly supervising their children. In an era that in which working parenthood is a matter of course, time is scarce. It is burdensome for parents to have to chauffeur their children from place to place. Often parents simply do not have the time to accompany their children everywhere, and consequently forbid their children to be outdoors on their own. Many parents are convinced of the positive value of playing outside, yet unable to solve their individual problems in a social way, with neighbors and friends. Initiatives that support the sharing of supervisory responsibilities would be a step in the right direction."
FULL STORY: Special Focus: Increasing Children's Freedom of Movement

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
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie