In Memoriam: Branden Klayko, 'Broken Sidewalk' Blogger

The tributes to Branden Klayko, one of the hardest working and influential writers on the subjects of urbanism, have been steady and heartfelt.

2 minute read

June 22, 2017, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Branden Klayko is a name that will be very familiar to readers of Planetizen, after providing years of essential news coverage, commentary, and analysis as a senior editor at The Architect's Newspaper and the founder of the local blog Broken Sidewalk. Klayko recently passed away after a battle with leukemia at the age of 33. We at Planetizen have repeatedly linked to Klayko's work over the years, and we are deeply grateful for his contributions to the urbanism and planning discussion.

The Architect's Newspaper published a tribute to Klayko, noting his efforts in launching the publications website, and his broad interests in the subjects of urbanism, both in New York City and his hometown of Louisville Kentucky.

Leo Weekly published a tribute, calling Klayko's passing a "profound loss for the city." That tribute includes contributions from several high profile residents of Louisville, including a statement from Mayor Greg Fischer, who says that Klayko, "challenged us to make the city better."

James Bruggers penned an obituary for the Courier-Journal, summing up Klayko's approach to the Broken Sidewalk blog, and its mixture of affectionate support and constructive criticism.

Angie Schmitt also offers a tribute, noting Klayko's valuable contributions as part of the Streetsblog Network.

As noted by a tweet from Mike Lydon, a fundraising effort is gathering donations for a memorial bench or tree to be planted through Olmstead Parks in honor of Klayko's love for Louisville.

Wednesday, June 21, 2017 in The Architect's Newspaper

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue tarps covering tents set up by unhoused people along chain link fence on concrete sidewalk.

Study: Anti-Homelessness Laws Don’t Work

Research shows that punitive measures that criminalized unhoused people don’t help reduce homelessness.

July 6, 2025 - Next City

Tunnel for pedestrians, bikes, and buses in Lyon, France lit up with purple lights.

The French Solution to Congested Tunnels: Make Them Car-Free

Bay Area transportation officials keep expanding car capacity. Lyon’s Croix Rousse Tunnel offers a different way.

5 hours ago - Streetsblog San Francisco

Missouri state Rep. Chris Brown speaking in government chamber.

Missouri Governor Reverses Anti-Discrimination Housing Policies

A new state law bars cities from prohibiting source-of-income discrimination against tenants using Section 8 housing vouchers.

5 hours ago - Missouri Independent

Pedestrians crossing a rainbow painted crosswalk in New York City.

USDOT Launches Unfunded 'SAFE ROADS' Program

The program targets “distractions” and “political messages or artwork,” and paves the way for autonomous vehicles.

6 hours ago - Urban Milwaukee