The 1970s were the heyday of the environmental movement; the 1980s and 90s ushered in the era of sustainability. Today, the cities movement reigns supreme, according to Linda Baker.
Baker writes:
"People [...] began to realize that sustainability as a concept meant almost anything anybody wanted and therefore nothing."
"So opinion makers were once again cast adrift for want of a paradigm– until 2007, when the United Nations reported that for the first time in history, more people would live in cities than in rural areas. Mulling this over, the powers-that-be realized that they too, lived in cities and that urbanism was as good a metaphor as any for the kind of efficient green networks necessary to preserve the world for future generations."
Thanks to Mark Jenkins
FULL STORY: A Brief History of 21st Century Urbanism

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