The controversial theory that social and physical disorder is a cause of neighborhood crime has been successfully demonstrated with a series of six experiments.
A recent series of experiments in the Netherlands has shown some dramatic evidence in favor of the so-called broken windows theory. This theory predicts that neighborhood social and physical incivilities will incite people to engage in criminal behaviors. Examples of incivilities include litter, graffiti, loitering, and public intoxication. One experiment gave passers by the opportunity to steal a €5 note from an open mailbox. The portion of people who decided to pocket the money doubled when the area was littered with trash or covered in graffiti. The results of this study are compelling evidence that city governments should respond to signs of physical disorder early.
Thanks to Nick Helmholdt
FULL STORY: The "Broken Windows" Theory of Crime is Correct
Density and Disorder: The Imaginary Link
A recent article tries to tie public transit and walkability to social disorder — but in fact, sprawling Sunbelt cities like Memphis are as likely to have high crime rates as transit-rich metropolises such as New York and San Francisco.
Portland Lowers Penalties for Fare Evasion
Fines will be waived for low-income riders, among other changes aimed at bringing "fairness and equity" to TriMet's enforcement system.
Study: Nonprofits, Ordinary Citizens Played Major Role in Crime Decline
As many wonder whether the nation's multi-decade crime decline will continue, research suggests that community groups and local nonprofits have played a larger role in that story than they're given credit for.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Vehicle-related Deaths Drop 29% in Richmond, VA
The seventh year of the city's Vision Zero strategy also cut the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes by half.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
More Apartments Are Being Built in Less-Dense Areas
Rising housing costs in urban cores and a demand for rental housing is driving more multifamily development to exurbs and small metros.
Plastic Bag Bans Actually Worked
U.S. coastal areas with plastic bag bans or fees saw significant reductions in plastic bag pollution — but plastic waste as a whole is growing.
Improving Indoor Air Quality, One Block at a Time
A movement to switch to electric appliances at the neighborhood scale is taking off in California.
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.
Borough of Carlisle
Smith Gee Studio
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)