Social / Demographics

U.S. Divisions Between Urban and Rural Aren't as Clear as Politicians Suggest
Urban vs. rural is just one example of the many false dichotomies presented as fact during the presidential campaign. A more nuanced understanding of these terms reveals more of the country's real character.

Study Documents the Shifting Racial Boundaries of Gentrifying Cities
New research finds evidence of racial "boundary movements," in older, denser U.S. cities. The research explains more about why gentrification feels like such a powerful force, for those experiencing its effects.

China's Urbanization Boom May Be Slowing
After a period of modernization and urban growth unrivaled in human history, several forces promise a slump, or at least a slowing. Maybe it's time to improve existing cities, not keep building new ones.
To Bring Water to the Village, Teach Villagers About Water
In Nicaragua, villagers' access to freshwater resources is sometimes impeded by a gap in coordination between the self-governing indigenous communities present there. WaterAid worked with locals in one village to change just that.
5 Cities Launch the 'Racial Equity Here' Initiative
The idea behind the "Racial Equity Here" initiative: dismantle systematic racial inequality.

Safe Streets for Whom?
An equity strategist offers advice on creating safe streets programs that address systemic racism.

Report: Britain's Suburbs on the Decline
London's central core never experienced the deterioration many American downtowns lived through, but the inner city/suburb dynamic was still at play. Now poverty is moving outward.

A Case for Integrating Housing and Healthcare Services
Connecting affordable housing and healthcare programs can improve both—especially for seniors and disabled people.

Walkability Reaches a Tipping Point
With the rise of globalization, and urbanization, people are rethinking how cities should be structured in terms of transportation and mobility. Is it possible to reconfigure auto-centric cities into pedestrian-friendly spaces?

Pondering the Continued Existence of the 'Rust Belt'
A recent spate of articles has pondered the concepts and planning strategies at work in the region of the country described as the Rust Belt.

Housing Quality Can Impact Child Development
A home in poor physical condition can be "devastating" to a child's early development, a study of Cleveland kindergarteners found.
How Will L.A.'s New Inglewood Football Stadium Revitalize South Los Angeles?
The Los Angeles Rams COO details both the stadium's sustainable design and the positive impact the privately funded complex will have on Southern California.

4 Reasons Home Ownership Won't Close the Racial Wealth Gap
Homeownership is often promoted as a way for low-income and minority families to build wealth. But it is those very families who assume the most risk in buying a house.

The Toxic State of Public Discourse and How to Clean It Up
Dave Biggs interviews author James Hoggan about his new book, "I'm Right and You're An Idiot: The Toxic State of Public Discourse and How to Clean It Up."

Broadband Inheriting the Discriminatory Patterns of Previous Infrastructure Systems
The challenges of bridging the digital divide are exacerbated by the racist legacies of previous infrastructure systems, according to a recent presentation to the New York Regional Plan Association.

Families Departing Philadelphia for the Suburbs
That headlining claim is found in a recent research study from Pew Charitable Trust's Philadelphia Research Initiative—more demographic goodies are included.
The Sharing Economy Comes to Urban Public Schools
How one firm is integrating sharing economy principles to bolster Chicago's public schools.

Why it Matters When Protesters Shut Down Highways
Emily Badger, writing for The Washington Post's Wonkblog, doesn't let planners off the hook for the racist history of highway planning around the country.

Population Analysis—Explained and Exemplified
Yonah Freemark provides a comprehensive explainer of the nuts and bolts of population analysis, applying that expertise to an examination of downtown population change.

Americans Shifting Away From the Auto, Maybe
The auto may no longer be "the quintessential symbol of American mobility, status and independence," opines Robert J. Samuelson for The Washington Post, as the latest demographic and auto ownership data point to a change in American mobility.
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Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
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