Basra and Mosul are Iraq's second- and third-largest cities. In this post, Iraqi journalists talk about the two cities, their evolving public realms and the security issues they face.
Though the cities faced many dangers in recent years, the situation has become less hectic recently, according to this report.
One journalist writes about the resurgence of public space and public life in Basra:
"After the launch of Operation Charge of the Knights in Basra in 2008 there was a large military presence in the city, and things felt better. You could see hairdressers and university professors go back to their work. Alcohol shops reopened, and family parks were everywhere. You could listen to songs coming out of cars, while in the past you had been allowed to put only religious songs on.
Everything is beautiful now. Even the builders resumed their projects, and you see fewer hijabs and more bareheaded women. We started listening to the beautiful sounds of weddings coming out of churches."
FULL STORY: Iraqis on Iraq - Basra and Mosul

Planetizen’s Top Planning Books of 2023
The world is changing, and planning with it.

Chicago Red Line Extension Could Transform the South Side
The city’s transit agency is undertaking its biggest expansion ever to finally bring rail to the South Side.

Eugene Ends Parking Minimums
In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.

EPA Calls for Eliminating Lead Water Pipes in 10 Years
The mandate doesn’t include additional funding, prompting backlash from utility companies.

Baltimore Considers Public Restroom Project
The city is starting to develop a plan for adding more public restrooms downtown, where available bathrooms are scarce and historic buildings are being damaged by public urination.

Will New York’s Strict Short-Term Rental Rules Work?
Some owners are reluctant to put short-term rental units back on the long-term rental market, but the number of permitted units has dropped dramatically.
City of Kissimmee - Development Services
City of Kissimmee - Development Services
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Park City Municipal Corporation
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
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.