Social / Demographics

Manhole Theft Plagues Philadelphia

The rising value of iron and steel has prompted thieves to steal an alarming amount of manhole covers from Philadelphia's streets.

July 24, 2008 - The New York Times

Fighting Isolation With Sleepovers

After a murder in his neighborhood, writer Peter Lovenheim decided that he needed to become closer to his neighbors. So he packed up his sleeping bag and invited himself over for a sleepover.

July 24, 2008 - The New York Times

Small Town Apocalyptic Values

Josh Stephens reviews James Howard Kunstler's novel of post-peak oil existence, World Made By Hand.

July 24, 2008 - Josh Stephens

'Suburban Refugees' Could Mean Trouble For Cities

The economic decline of the suburbs could flood cities like New York with "suburban economic refugees". This commentary from the New York Post warns that this is bad news for cities.

July 23, 2008 - New York Post

Black Flight or White Gentrification?

The Wall Street Journal reports that middle-class African-Americans are leaving America's major cities in droves, leaving remaining African-American cultural and religious institutions struggling to adjust to this new demographic reality.

July 22, 2008 - The Wall Street Journal

Debunking Connections Between Urbanism and Alienation

In response to a recent essay about an apparent relationship between urbanism and social alienation, Robert Steuteville argues that the study in question -- and its press -- twists the facts.

July 21, 2008 - Robert Steuteville

1/3 Fewer Auto Deaths, Thanks to Rising Gas Prices

Escalating gas prices are depressing, but look on the bright side: a new study shows that they may reduce annual traffic deaths by as much as one-third.

July 19, 2008 - Associated Press via Yahoo News

A Whiter Atlanta

The population of white people in Atlanta is growing larger by the day, a demographic shift many say is bringing about major changes in the city. This article from Governing says other cities are seeing similar trends.

July 19, 2008 - Governing

Living in the Wrong Neighborhood Can Harm Your Health

A new study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health shows that living in poor and violent neighborhoods can significantly increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.

July 18, 2008 - The Baltimore Sun

'Shocking' Levels of Disparity Highlighted in U.S. Human Development Report

The American Human Development Project has determined that the U.S. demonstrates huge disparities in life expectancy and other well-being indicators, based on geography, race, sex and class.

July 18, 2008 - The Independent (UK)

German NIMBYs Oppose Mosques

Incidents of violence and vandalism highlight a rising tide of local opposition to teh construction of new mosques in Germany.

July 18, 2008 - Der Spiegel

Water Supplies May Not Be Enough for Growing Chicago

More than 2 million people are expected to be added to the metropolitan Chicago region by 2030, and water supplies may not be able to keep up. Officials are trying to find a solution.

July 17, 2008 - The Chicago Tribune

New Anchor For New Orleans

New Orleans officials say they have enough grants and private funds to move forward on a "Great Lawn" park for the city, functioning as a gathering place and a link to other attractions.

July 16, 2008 - New Orleans Times-Picayune

A Newer, Better Poverty Rate Formula

New York City plans to revise the way it assesses poverty levels in the city, bringing in more variables and cost-of-living considerations. Officials expect the new measurement to be more accurate, and are calling on other cities to follow suit.

July 15, 2008 - The New York Times

The Best Places to Live in America

CNN Money has released its ranking of the best places to live.

July 15, 2008 - CNN Money

Broadway To Receive Pedestrian/Bicycle Makeover

A portion of New York City's most storied thoroughfare is being transformed with a physically protected bicycle lane and added space for pedestrians, cafe tables and benches.

July 13, 2008 - The New York Times

Ethnic Groups Are Reinterpreting the Burbs

'Fringe Benefits: Cosmopolitan Dynamics of a Multicultural City' is the name of an exhibit open now at the Design Exchange in Toronto. Urban designer Ian Chodikoff explains his inspiration for the show.

July 12, 2008 - The Globe and Mail

Chickens Aren't Just For Countrysides Anymore

Residents of Austin, TX are risking violation of city ordinances forbidding loud animals to raise chickens in their central city neighborhood backyards. It's partly a way to cut out-of-pocket expenses.

July 11, 2008 - Austin American-Statesman

Where Do Child Care Centers Belong?

A Houston bedroom community decides against allowing childcare centers to mix with other businesses in strip centers.

July 11, 2008 - The Houston Chronicle

Water Needs Limit Growth

Formerly small towns near Boston have experienced high growth rates in recent years. But despite their potential to keep growing, water supplies and aging infrastructure will likely be a limiting factor.

July 11, 2008 - The Boston Globe

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.