Social / Demographics
Size of A City's Middle Class Predicts Poor's Economic Mobility
Researchers find that among the largest 100 metro regions in the U.S. , those with a larger middle class, provide higher economic mobility.
From Suburbs to "Urban Burbs"
Eric Jaffe of The Atlantic Cities talks with writer Leigh Gallagher about her new book, The End of the Suburbs: Where the American Dream Is Moving, and her opinions on the rapidly evolving American housing market.
Food Stamp Numbers Indicate Sharp Rise In Suburban Poverty
When you think about poverty, do you picture the suburbs? New data suggests that you should.
In Cash-Strapped Cities, Parents Create Inclusive Playgrounds
Federal requirements often aren't enough incentive for municipalities to create accessible playgrounds, so parent advocates are paving the way for kids with special needs to access playgrounds.
Melbourne Retains World's Highest Quality of Life
The Economist's Intelligence Unit has once again ranked Melbourne as the top city in its annual Global Liveability Ranking. Damascus has dropped to the bottom of the list due to Syria's ongoing civil war.
Influx of Cool Causes Concern in Somerville
Somerville, a 4.2-square-mile city outside of Boston, has successfully attracted young, educated people, but many worry what an influx of 'hipsters' will do to the small city.
Urban Revival Drains Life out of London Suburbs
In an echo of the urban inversion confronting many of America's cities, London's phenomenal economic growth over the past decade has come at the expense of the city's suburbs, where unemployment and poverty are growing. Could this be a good thing?
D.C. is Nation's Capital of Bad Driving, Once Again
All of that Congressional gridlock seems to be causing a lot of accidents. For the sixth year in a row, Washington D.C.'s drivers have come in last place in Allstate’s annual "America’s Best Drivers" report.
How Homeownership Has Kept Black Americans from Realizing MLK's Dreams
Fifty years ago today, participants in the March on Washington were seeking to narrow the economic gap between America's blacks and whites. After five decades, that gulf remains. Vauhini Vara explains how homeownership is partly to blame.
Why Millennials Might Save the Suburbs
Observers have anxiously wondered what will happen to America's urban revival as Millennials start families and seek the types of amenities more readily found in the suburbs. Relax, says Shane Phillips, cities will be fine and suburbs will be better.
Micro-Apartments Fill Essential Need
Sarah Watson makes the case for micro-apartments, those controversial 250-350 sq. ft. units that neighbors often oppose but meet a critical need.
EPA Move to Monitor Roadway Air Pollution May Have Broad Planning Impacts
With evidence on the harmful health impacts of vehicle emissions increasing, the EPA will begin monitoring pollution levels adjacent to freeways in Los Angeles and more than 100 of America's biggest cities. Experts say the action is long overdue.
South Carolina's Capital Declares War on Homeless
Fearing that a growing homeless population threatens 'the new Southern hot spot', public officials in Columbia, South Carolina have instigated an aggressive program to rid the city's downtown of its neediest residents.
Community Benefits Agreement in Brooklyn Draws Criticism from Local Organizations
An agreement between Related Developers and a community organization that has gotten substantial support from an area councilman to support a job training and referral program draws criticism from some groups who feel left out.
Are We Being Fooled Again By Census Bureau Misestimates?
The Census Bureau's questionable methodology for estimating municipal population growth has resulted in counter-intuitive and often outrageous numbers, warns Aaron M. Renn.
Note to Home Builders and Car Companies: Millennials Want Experiences, Not Things
Noah Nelson explores the generational shift in the idea of ownership as Millennials ditch the traditional big ticket and consumer items - seemingly anything but a smartphone and food - for shared experiences.
Planning for Obsolescence
As college becomes less affordable, alternatives to the traditional four-year model have been making inroads, leading some to question its lasting viability. If universities struggle, it will impact not only campuses, but cities, as well.
Is Change By Another Name Still Gentrification?
Those investing in the largely Latino enclave of Boyle Heights prefer to use the term "gentefication" - a play on the Spanish word for people - rather than the pejorative gentrification, to describe their efforts to improve the L.A. neighborhood.
Effort to Reduce Food Deserts Finds Spring of Success in Chicago
Chicago has good news to report in its battle to improve access to fresh healthy food. Since Rahm Emanuel became mayor more than two years ago, the number of residents living in food deserts has declined by 21 percent.
New Study: Effects of Obesity Epidemic Much Worse Than Previously Reported
A new study published this week in the American Journal of Public Health links 18.2 percent of premature deaths in the United States between 1986 and 2006 to obesity, a nearly fourfold increase over what had widely been cited.
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.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
