In rural Georgia, a New Urbanist style development is slowly materializing, andhoping to be a sustainable antidote to urban sprawl.
Located about an hour outside of Atlanta, the project is being built in a wooded rural area, and its developers expect it to eventuallyhouse 2,500 people.
"Called Serenbe-"a serene place to be"-the New Urbanism-style development is a model for sustainable living, its creators believe. Designed to be an antidote for suburban sprawl, Serenbe weaves together high-density residences with walkability, sustainability, and a self-sufficient mix of agriculture and local businesses. The community has already grown to include 260 residents, a bakery, three high-end restaurants, a weekly farmer's market, several shops and galleries, and a 19-room inn. "We are tremendously proud of what we've built," says Steve Nygren, who founded the development with his wife, Marie.
The Serenbe master plan, designed by architect Phillip Tabb, director of the architecture department at Texas A&M University, envisions 2,500 residents scattered through four interconnected villages. Currently, the village of Shelborne is 80 percent finished, while a second, Grange, is 20 percent complete."
FULL STORY: Serenbe Community in Georgia Offers Alternative to Suburban Sprawl

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?

Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.

What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.

Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts
Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie