Now can you qualify, quantify, and index it? Hazel Borys would like you to do so, and gives this data review to help you get started.
"A couple of weeks ago I floated some ideas on a national Urban Happiness Index," says Borys. "Similar to Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index and Bhutan's Gross National Happiness index, which is being contemplated by China, an Urban Happiness Index would tie satisfaction and wellbeing to the form of the built environment. Perhaps an alternative idea would be the Healthy Place Index."
Borys goes on to give a data review of the studies and tools already formulated to measure the satisfaction that place inspires. With the majority of drugs prescribed in the US being antidepressants, it's none too soon.
"So there you have it. Happy now? Depends on where/how you live, I suppose. But what's most important is that finally, more than ever, we now recognize - and are working to improve - the connection between the two."
Thanks to Scott Doyon
FULL STORY: Urban Happiness Index Revisited

Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.

San Francisco Muni Raises Fares a Second Time
A 10–cent fare hike for adults is part of the agency’s plan to chip away at a growing budget deficit.

Electric Grid Capacity Could Hamstring EV Growth
Industry leaders say the U.S. electric grid is unprepared for the increased demand for power created by electric cars, data centers, and electric homes.

Texas Bill Supports Adaptive Reuse in Commercial Areas
Senate Bill 840, which was preliminarily approved by the state House, would allow residential construction in areas previously zoned for offices and commercial uses.
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.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions