Social / Demographics
Have You Noticed Fewer Cars on the Road Lately?
While the decline may not be visible, total auto ownership peaked in 2008 according to a new report by Michael Sivak of the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute. He set out to determine the cause - was it the economic recession?
London’s Lived-In Look
London calling! PlaceMaker Hazel Borys fuses her passions for great cities, efficient transit, civic art and form-based coding into one lavishly documented examination of the English capital. Cheers, mates!
Elite Citadels: The Global Growth of the Gated City
Gated communities were once confined to specific neighborhoods or suburban areas, but as the global financial sector grows, entire cities are becoming gated enclaves where the 'one per cent' network and drive national policies, says Simon Kuper.
How Will the Government Manage China's Great Urban Leap?
Ian Johnson explores a pivotal moment in China's development, as the country seeks to migrate 250 million rural residents to cities in the next 12 years. Observers speculate on how a comprehensive urbanization plan will achieve this transition.
Austerity Threatens Europe's Vaunted Social Policy
Europe's four years of austerity are taking a toll not just on residents who are suffering from an unraveling of the Continent's famous social welfare programs, but the political parties that created them as some seek solutions from fringe groups.
For the First Time, White Deaths Exceed Births in the U.S., Reports Census
The demographic milestone shows how the U.S. is quickly becoming a nation of minorities - and also shows the rapid aging and lower birth rates of the white, non-hispanic demographic. However, due to immigration, the total white population increased.
The Enduring Allure of Urban Environments
Even if the swelling modern metropolis doesn't reflect the gleaming city of science fiction, Edwin Heathcote finds much to be optimistic about with regard to the future of cities on a rapidly urbanizing planet.
Suburban Poor? Are You Sure?
Brookings Institute's “Confronting Suburban Poverty” is generating a lot of buzz. Community development leaders and planners took to Rooflines to voice opinions and critiques of the book, moving its authors to submit a response that you must read.
Old-Age Adaptation: Our Next Great Urban Challenge
Americans are living longer and changing the demographic profiles of our cities in the process. Planners are just beginning to understand how our streets and systems must adapt to accommodate this trend.
Chicago's Murder Wave Ebbs; How'd They Do That?
Last year, Chicago experienced a surge in gun violence that drew national attention. So far this year, shootings and crime are down significantly thanks to a mix of tactics employed by city leaders. Is the drop in crime sustainable?
How Much of the World's Urbanization is Being Driven by Overseas Land Acquisitions?
Since 2006, agro-businesses, hedge-funds, financial firms, and government agencies have splurged on an overseas land-buying binge. As Saskia Sassen explains, such purchases disrupt the status quo, forcing local residents to migrate to cities.
Finding Room for a Million More New Yorkers
New York City's population is expected to grow by one million residents by 2040. But where can housing be built to accommodate all these new residents? A new report from a Columbia University think tank identifies the most promising candidates.
Friday Funny: Japan Cracks Down on Fun
Apparently the kids in Japan are just too darn loud. In a country where the old increasingly outnumber the young, crotchety old folks are cracking down on the sounds of childhood.
America's Top Springs of Suburban Poverty
Poverty is now more widespread in America's suburbs than its cities. But the suburbs of some cities are experiencing more dramatic increases than others. 24/7 Wall St. examines the top 10 sources of suburban poverty.
Violent Crime Is Up Across America: Is That Really Not a Big Deal?
While new data from the FBI shows that violent crime is on the rise across the U.S. after five years of large declines, John Roman and Laura Pacifici argue that the modest increases don't necessarily predict the reversal of long-term trends.
On the Limits of Social Change Through Design
Ginia Bellafante looks at the fate of a public housing project conceived with much fanfare in the early 1970s by progressive architects following the theory of 'Defensible Space' authored by architect and planner Oscar Newman.
'Handshake Buildings' Demonstrate Successes and Failures of China's Urbanization
The migrants that have swelled China's cities in recent decades still remain 'second-class citizens', unable to sell their rural land or have access to public services like schools or medical care. Will the country's new leaders change this?
How Chicago's Housing Crisis Became a Moral Crisis
Ben Austen traces how foreclosures, crime, and depopulation have decimated areas in the South and West Sides of Chicago, and the 'do-it-yourself empowerment zones' that are trying to make use of vacant properties and turn around these neighborhoods.
A More Accurate Measurement of Community Connection
To better understand a city's size, look not to its resident population total but to its daytime population. 'Commuter-adjusted populations' have implications for everything from emergency evacuation procedures to transportation infrastructure.
Global Roads Safer, But U.S. Performs Poorly
A study from the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development shows that traffic fatalities across the world have reached an all-time low. However roads in the U.S. are less safe than in 28 other countries, including Serbia and Greece.
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
