Jakarta, Indonesia is the world's sixth most populated metropolitan area, and it's on track to move up in ranks within the next decade. Some planners are trying to figure out how to guide this developing megacity onto a sustainable path.
"Like so many other cities in the developing world, it's a place struggling to adjust to the forces of modernity and rural migration. The city is increasingly known for its explosive population growth, seemingly endless traffic jams, polluted air and water, disappearing open spaces, urban poverty, and its vulnerability to frequent floods. Traffic jams in the city are expected to reach total gridlock by 2014. Air pollution reached unhealthy levels nearly 365 days a year causing widespread respiratory problems. One quarter of the capital city's population lives in kampungs, or slum neighborhoods spread around the city. In many cases these neighborhoods were rural villages simply engulfed by the march of urbanization. Another 5% of the population live in illegal settlements tucked under and next to public infrastructure as well as along river banks. Experts sum up Jakarta's unsustainable trajectory as 'catastrophic' and call it an 'urban planner's nightmare.'"
FULL STORY: Towards a More Sustainable Jakarta

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