Suburban areas have long been characterized as being socially isolating -- keeping many residents indoors and insulated from socializing or even knowing their closest neighbors. But a new study argues that cities are actually more socially isolating.
"A new study says that people who live in sprawling suburban areas have more friends, better community involvement and more frequent contact with their neighbors than urbanites who are wedged in side-by-side. The results challenge the accepted idea that suburban life is socially alienating."
"The study, released by the University of California at Irvine, found that for every 10 per cent decrease in population density, the chances of people talking to their neighbors weekly increases by 10 per cent, and the likelihood they belong to hobby-based clubs jumps by 15 per cent."
FULL STORY: Burbs not so bad after all

Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

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

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico
An analysis of hospital visit records provided a more accurate count than the annual point-in-time count used by most agencies.

Michigan Bills Would Stiffen Penalties for Deadly Crashes
Proposed state legislation would close a ‘legal gap’ that lets drivers who kill get away with few repercussions.

Report: Bus Ridership Back to 86 Percent of Pre-Covid Levels
Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.
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.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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