Hip-hop artists are vocal about critiques of their neighborhoods, but are planners and architects listening?

Anya Khalamayzer of GreenBiz interviews Michael Ford, founder of BrandNu Design, about the influence urban planning has had on hip-hop and how he's hoping to flip the script; increasing the influence of "non-traditional" stakeholders on the planning process. Ford acknowledges the role that Robert Moses' urban renewal initiatives in New York City had in creating the landscapes that came to pepper the music of the artists who grew up among the towers and slums. He also sees the residents of these communities as active participants in shaping the city for the better. Ford challenges companies and organizations working on development in communities of color to engage the youth and seek out people from within these neighborhoods to be a part of the process. He cites the genius of the musicians in these communities who have voiced their critiques and concerns about their built environment through music, and asks that planners and architects listen to what's being said and work with communities to give them the tools to participate and contribute in the planning and development process.
FULL STORY: Hip-hop has a message for urban planners

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?

Portland Raises Parking Fees to Pay for Street Maintenance
The city is struggling to bridge a massive budget gap at the Bureau of Transportation, which largely depleted its reserves during the Civd-19 pandemic.

Spokane Mayor Introduces Housing Reforms Package
Mayor Lisa Brown’s proposals include deferring or waiving some development fees to encourage more affordable housing development.

Houston Mayor Kills Another Bike Lane
The mayor rejected a proposed bike lane in the Montrose district in keeping with his pledge to maintain car lanes.
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont