Scientists from the Santa Fe Institute have discovered basic patterns underlying the way cities have always grown. The mechanics of "urban scaling" may have something fundamental to tell us about how large settlements evolve.

Building upon earlier research on the evolution of large-scale human settlements, a team from the Santa Fe Institute examined a range of archaeological data from ancient Mexican cities. Their findings, published here, hint at a broad theory of "urban scaling" that relates the output of a city to its size.
The article chronicles the scientists' excitement at these results, which point to a congruence between ancient and modern urban economics. This despite the fact that "ancient cities weren't profit-oriented, they didn't have capitalist investment like they do today and they were more likely to have rulers with a tight grip on the economy."
This work informs ongoing study of social networks and the city's role as an idea incubator. Of note are increasing returns: as both ancient and modern cities expand, the economic output of their citizens grows disproportionately to population. The theory of urban scaling "implies that some of the most robust patterns in modern urban systems derive from processes that have been part of human societies all along."
FULL STORY: Ancient cities grew pretty much like modern ones, say scientists

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

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California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
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