Social / Demographics
New Study Shows Human Health Benefits of Soot-Scrubbing Trees
A new study published in the journal Environmental Pollution makes the first conclusive case for the ability of urban foliage to reduce fine particle pollution, reducing breathing problems and saving lives in the process.
Rotten Apple: Noise Pollution Spoils Life for New Yorkers
The fact that New York is loud is unlikely to surprise anyone. But despite decades of noise abatement efforts, the contributors to noise pollution keep multiplying. As scientists recognize the multitude of negative health impacts, what can be done?
What is Poverty? Accounting for the True Expense of City Life
At $23,550, the federal poverty line is a blunt instrument used to measure the nuances of affordability. A tool provided by the Economic Policy Institute shows how much more a family needs to make for a modicum of security in cities across the U.S.
New Tool Facilitates Stunning City Comparisons
The creator of the TED conference has teamed up with Esri to develop an innovative interactive exhibit and online mapping tool to compare 16 global cities along 16 data points, including: population density, open space, and traffic.
Decision to Ditch Long-Form Census Torments Canada's Planners
The federal government's controversial decision to scrap Canada's long-form census in 2011 and replace it with a voluntary household survey is coming home to roost, as cities across the country dismiss its skewed results.
1968 Inverted: Why the 'Back-to-the-City' Movement is 'White Flight' in Reverse
Calling 'white infill' the new 'white flight', Richey Piiparinen argues that urban thinkers need to consider whether the back-to-the-city trend is exacerbating inequity and segregation.
New Study Establishes Baseline for Improving Angelenos' Health
Published on the last day of the Villaraigosa administration, the "Health Atlas for the City of Los Angeles" analyzed 100 different health outcomes citywide to inform the drafting of a new Health and Wellness Chapter for the City’s General Plan.
How Can We Break the Link Between Gentrification and Homelessness?
As residential real estate sales set new highs in Bedford-Stuyvesant, more and more local families are being driven to the city's homeless shelters despite prevention efforts. What can city leaders do to ensure economic diversity?
Familiarity Fostered on Foot Breeds Social Movements
A new study suggests that density, mixed-use neighborhoods, short city blocks, and, crucially, walkability foment political and social activism, reports Richard Florida.
America's Overlooked Demographic Superstar: Sunshine
Hopefully you were able to enjoy some summer sun on this Fourth of July. If you're among the many Americans who helped propel population growth in the country's warmer states over the last century, you likely did.
The Who, Where, and How Many of America’s Working Artists
A new study published by the National Endowment for the Arts profiles America's 2 million professional artists (including architects), with information on artist salaries, a breakdown of occupations, and the cities with the most working artists.
New Mapping Tool Tracks America's Spreading Poverty
A number of recent reports have examined the growing levels of poverty found in America's suburbs. An interactive map developed by the Urban Institute makes the dimensions and trajectories of that growth clear.
How a Growing Megalopolis Will Redefine Africa's Economic and Political Boundaries
Within a few decades, explosive population growth in West Africa will create an urbanized area similar in size to America's eastern seaboard between Boston and D.C., "only far more populous." At one pole is Lagos, a "powerful new city-state."
Urban Design in the New Soft City
Carl Skelton argues that the public needs new tools of citizenship to participate fully in the digital cities of the near future.
Why We'll Likely See a Lot More Urban-Oriented Protests in the Future
If there's one common thread uniting the recent protests in Brazil and Turkey, it's the growing inequality evident in cities, and the inability (or disinterest) of the public sector in bridging that gap through public services.
Housing Price Increases in Urban Areas Outpace Suburbs
As we've heard recently, home prices are on the rise throughout the United States. New research from Jed Kolko shows that increases are particularly acute in areas with high rises, multi-family housing, and a diversity of residents.
Divergent Views on the State of America's Cities; Can They Both Be Right?
Kaid Benfield discusses two influential new publications that posit very different takes on the state of America's cities. While he finds elements to agree with in both, Benfield ultimately finds himself an optimist when it comes to our urban future.
The Ideal City is....an Equation?
What is the apt metaphor for a city? Machines? Insect colonies? In a new paper, physicist Luis Bettencourt says that if we look to the function of cities we find that they're essentially social reactors that obey universal mathematical parameters.
Is Air Pollution Contributing to the Rise in Autism?
Asthma, cancer...autism. If you need yet another reason to abhor vehicle emissions and air pollution see a new report published in Environmental Health Perspectives which links in utero exposure to air pollutants to an increased risk of autism.
Brazil Bus Fare Increases Rescinded; Will Mass Protests End?
The mass protests that have swept through Brazilian cities over the past week where sparked by planned bus fare increases, but quickly expanded to encompass a variety of complaints. Will the protests end now that fares have been lowered?
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
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
