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
Seattle Residents Wary of Urban Greening Efforts
Parts of the city desperately need more trees, but some residents worry about the long-term effects of tree planting in neighborhoods.
Controversial N.Y.C. Housing Program Under Fire
The Third Party Transfer program lets the city transfer ownership of delinquent properties, but it unfairly targets communities of color, say critics.
NYC Open Streets Organizers Call for City Support
The number of open streets projects has dropped year after year as volunteer groups struggle to fund and staff them.
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.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions