Social / Demographics
The Hands-On Urbanism Movement
Mike Lydon discusses "tactical urbanism," a DIY approach to planning that is sweeping the nation, and explains how communities are making lasting impacts at the grassroots level.
America's Fastest Growing Racial Group
Asian and Hispanic immigration rates have reversed from 2007: Asians now constitute 36% of all new arrivals (legal and illegal) while Hispanic rates, for a number of reasons, have dropped to 31%, according to a new Pew Research Center report.
More Carrot, Less Stick Needed for Affordable Housing
Mixed-income housing - infusing affordable housing with market-rate units - is relying more on incentives and subsidies, than mandates, to stimulate development.
Reno: The Biggest Little 'Livable' City in the World
Concerned about becoming a "western Detroit," the city of Reno, built around the gambling industry, seeks to shake off that trademark with new investments in other industries and amenities.
Cost, Rather Than Compass, May be Key to Healthy Eating
Efforts to alleviate urban food deserts has focused on the proximity of healthy food choices as a correlating factor for obesity. However, a new study concludes that price, rather than proximity, has a stronger correlation to rates of obesity.
The Woes of Young Working-Class Heroes
Young, educated city natives are being forced to pit their financial needs against their geographic desires in a battle against gentrification.
Which Cities Are Leading the Way in Integrating Food Planning?
Integrated food systems planning is a cornerstone of efforts to create healthy and sustainable communities across America. Kimberley Hodgson summarizes recent research conducted by the APA that evaluates which communities are leading the way.
Baby Boomers Ponder Their Next Move
Recent studies on older generations' dwelling and travel patterns show that urban areas may provide more mobility and independence than suburban areas with less access to public transit.
Public Space, Interrupted
The Project for Public Spaces has compiled a "how-to" list for re-claiming your community's public spaces.
Massachusetts Struggles to Retain its Young Talent
The Bay State is terrific at attracting the leading young minds from around to world to its prestigious institutions of higher education. But when those students graduate, high housing prices are forcing them out of the state, writes Edward Glaeser.
Oslo Plans for an Intercultural Future
Oslo's once-homogenous population has changed dramatically in the past few decades: immigrants and their descendants are predicted to account for 50% of all residents by 2030. Sarah Wesseler looks at the spatial implications of this transition.
Historically Inclined Richmond Brands Itself Anew
For a city known for its storied history, but whose burgeoning creative culture has gone less noticed, a recent branding campaign was charged with the challenge of merging both identities.
Indians Turn to Social Media to Meet Neighbors
In rapidly modernizing, and urbanizing, India, young professionals find themselves cut off from their neighbors and small town traditions in fortress-like gated communities. The Internet is providing a platform for them to re-establish community.
Does an Increase in White Residents Equal Gentrification?
Matt Bevilacqua looks at the real story behind headlines making news this week regarding the "fastest-gentrifying neighborhoods in the United States."
Cleveland Rocks
Downtown Cleveland has been polished up over the past few years. David C. Barnett has the rust belt revival success story.
After a Lost Decade, How Can Chicago Get Back on Track?
Aaron M. Renn looks at Chicago's struggles over the last decade - one that saw the city "increasingly falling behind its large urban brethren" - and asks whether its aspirations for becoming a global city are delusional.
Will Philadelphia Experiment Alter the Course of American Food Policy?
With the highest obesity rate and poorest population of America’s big cities, Philadelphia is launching an ambitious plan to increase residents' access to healthy food, reports Sarah Kliff.
What Are America's Smartest Cities?
Who says playing games can’t make you smart? A recent study by Lumos Labs evaluated users’ game scores across the country to determine which metropolitan areas in the U.S. are the smartest.
Portland's Subsidized Segregation
In the first part of a series examining the failure of Portland-area fair housing, Brad Schmidt explains how a region that prides itself on its progressive values and openness to diversity is "harboring a form of institutionalized racial inequity."
What Drives People?
Hazel Borys argues that "the payback of livable places really can’t be calculated in dollars, or pounds of fat or carbon, or even hours. The payback of place is passion."
Pagination
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 Clovis
City of Moorpark
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