Social / Demographics

What the Data Says About Life in the City

Cities can be undersold or oversold in equal measure, but they never fail to present a shortage of data. With its #citydata series, This Big City explores the sometimes surprising facts about cities that emerge from the din of urban life.

January 17, 2014 - This Big City

Crowd

Graphing the Rise and Fall of Metro Populations

A mesmerizing presentation of the narrative arc of the United State’s 20 most populated metropolitan areas reveals the evolving weave of interrelationships that make up the country's urban settlements.

January 17, 2014 - The Washington Post - The Fix

New Series: In the Urban World, Juxtapositions Matter

In an ongoing series, Urbanism Without Effort author Chuck Wolfe argues the importance of the overlaps, overlays and convergence points that define city life, and emphasizes the importance of reading and interpreting their everyday expression.

January 16, 2014 - myurbanist

residential downtown in Singapore

So Much for the Environmental Benefits of Urban Density

For urbanists who have reduced their carbon footprints by driving less and living more densely in smaller homes, researchers from UC Berkeley have some bad news. Your reduced emissions are canceled out by those in the suburbs ringing your city.

January 16, 2014 - Los Angeles Times - Science Now

London Property Values Tied to Global Events

A new study out of Oxford’s Saïd Business School provides evidence of the influence of external factors, such as foreign wars and environmental crises, on the London housing market.

January 15, 2014 - Quartz

Central Park - Manhattan, New York

Urban Green Spaces Will Make You Happier than Winning the Lottery

A new study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology finds that moving to a more-green area can have a long-lasting positive effect on mental health, unlike the short-term jolt from pay rises, promotions or winning the lottery.

January 15, 2014 - BBC News

Should Doctors Help Address America's Epidemic of Road Deaths?

As a leading cause of death in the U.S., car collisions are one of the country's foremost public health problems. But a review of the last century of medical literature reveals increasing reluctance by the profession to weigh in on the subject.

January 13, 2014 - DC.Streetsblog

Inner Harbor, Baltimore

Millennials Key to Baltimore’s Recent Population Growth

Like many cities built on the old economy of steel and automobile manufacturing, Baltimore is struggling to attract and retain citizens. Recent population growth bears examination.

January 11, 2014 - Comeback City

Pittsburgh Suburbs Struggle with Growing Poverty Rates

The new paradigm of poverty is playing out in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: the majority of individuals in poverty live the suburbs, where the impacts of poverty are harder to identify.

January 11, 2014 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

U.S. Race Map

Three Demographic Trends to Watch in 2014 and Beyond

The National Journal speaks with demographer William H. Frey, with the Brookings Institution, about the three most meaningful trends that emerged in the U.S. last year, and their significance for the future.

January 10, 2014 - National Journal

White House Makes $500 Million Promise to Lift L.A. Out of Poverty

One of the Obama administration's most promising anti-poverty initiatives will marshal federal grants and expertise from numerous agencies to improve infrastructure, services and opportunities across a wide swath of Los Angeles.

January 9, 2014 - Los Angeles Times

Could India's Economic Slump Lead to De-Urbanization?

For many years, the astounding urban migration taking place across the developing world has been a notable global trend. But India's economic slowdown may put a dent in urbanization projections as inhabitants leave cities in search of work.

January 9, 2014 - Quartz

Minneapolis Stone Arch Bridge

Families Choosing Twin Cities Urbanity Over Suburban Living

Data suggesting a dramatic shift toward the urban core are accruing in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Suburbs have responded by creating walkable downtowns, but are struggling with declining school enrollment and other consequences.

January 8, 2014 - Star Tribune

Has America Lost the War on Poverty?

Though the war on poverty launched by President Lyndon B. Johnson has improved the lives of low-income Americans in many ways, poverty remains a persistent problem. Republicans and Democrats disagree over the solutions to the enduring challenge.

January 6, 2014 - The New York Times

Should Planners Encourage Diverse Neighborhoods?

In an opinion piece for the Vancouver Sun, a trio of academics argue that, contrary to popular belief, socially mixed neighborhoods can be damaging to the supposed beneficiaries: low-income groups.

January 4, 2014 - The Vancouver Sun

New York Department Becomes Model for Integrating and Empowering Immigrants

As cities across the Unites States look to lure immigrants to grow their populations and economies, many are turning to a program in New York for advice. Kirk Semple looks at the city's pioneering Office of Immigrant Affairs.

January 2, 2014 - Jonathan Nettler

Top 10 City Scandals of 2013

As we bid farewell to 2013, here are the Top 10 scandals that cast a negative light on some global cities this past year.

December 31, 2013 - Future Cities

U.S. Population Growth Slows to Lowest Rate in Seven Decades

New data released yesterday by the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that the country's population grew by only 2.3 million residents last year. Growth was strongest in the South and West, but North Dakota and D.C. saw the biggest percentage gains.

December 31, 2013 - The New York Times

Planetizen's Most Popular Pieces of 2013

We're looking forward to another stimulating year of news, commentary, and professional development. But before the calendar turns to 2014, we wanted to take a look back at our most popular blog posts, exclusive articles, and news items from 2013.

December 30, 2013 - Jonathan Nettler

Scientific Proof That Cars and Cities Just Don't Mix

A fascinating new study found that drivers perceive exactly the same things more negatively than those who walk, bike, or take transit. These findings have a few interesting implications.

December 30, 2013 - Shane Phillips

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.