How might planners advance the dialogue with politicians and citizens for design that supports the 633,782 homeless people in the US? Howard Blackson offers some insights for San Diego, the 3rd largest population of homeless among US cities.
"Homelessness is an everyday issue that gets a little additional attention during the holidays. A complex social issue, I am admittedly not an expert on homelessness. However, with it being a complex 'health, safety and welfare' issue, urban designers, planners, landscape architects and architects are positioned to assist politicians and citizens on a rational dialog and design response to our cities’ needs. So, this blog is an attempt to assist with the recently stated goal of our new Mayor, Bob Filner, and City Council President, Todd Gloria: 'To end homelessness in downtown… in the next four years.'"
Howard Blackson offers the beginning of that dialogue:
- Define the Different Types of People
- Define the Different Types of Places
- Develop Public Bathrooms
- Recycling Centers as Job Centers
- Repurpose Libraries and Post Offices
- Coordinate Shelters
- Regional Network of Neighborhood-Scaled Housing
And, as usual, he ends with a request for your ideas to add to the list.
FULL STORY: Homelessness: Testing the boundaries of “health, safety and welfare”

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?

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.

Car Designs Make it Harder to See Pedestrians
Blind spots created by thicker pillars built to withstand rollover crashes are creating dangerous conditions for people outside vehicles.
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