A new study challenges the growing body of research linking suburban living to obesity -- citing that people's eating and exercise habits more likely dictate where they live, not vice versa.
"Don't blame your ballooning waistline on urban sprawl, say researchers at the University of Toronto.
Despite numerous studies that have blamed obesity on suburban living, researchers at the U of T, the London School of Economics and Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Spain say people who are at risk of becoming obese choose to move to the suburbs because they prefer to drive, not walk."
The study tracked 6000 people for six years, monitoring their weight as they moved to/from dense or more sprawling communities.
"The results, according to the researchers, demonstrate that while people might move to different neighbourhoods, that change in their environment didn't necessarily affect their weight."
FULL STORY: Obesity, urban sprawl link questioned

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie