Social / Demographics

Chicago’s Red Line Extension Environmental Review Complete
The Red Line Extension on Chicago’s South Side could be a game changer, if the city can figure out the local funding.

Analysis: Pandemic Pressed Fast Forward on U.S. Migration Trends
In Las Vegas, Denver, Philadelphia, and more, out of town newcomers have been driving up real estate prices by moving in from more expensive locations with the resources to outspend locals, according to analysis by the Business Journals.

Austin in the Top Five for Out-Migration
Fortunes are changing in Austin—a longtime magnet for new arrivals is dealing with skyrocketing housing costs and increasing amounts of out-migration.

San Francisco’s Big Redevelopment Plan Was Paused for Equity Analysis That Never Happened
Checking in with The Hub, a proposed rezoning that would enable a multi-parcel redevelopment at a conspicuous intersection, two years after the city paused the rezoning for additional analysis (spoiler alert: the analysis hasn’t even started).

Do Highways Frustrate Mobility?
One common argument for highways is that even if they fail to reduce congestion, they allow people to go more places. This claim overlooks the effects of highways on development patterns.

Closing the Homeownership Knowledge Gap
An Oakland program geared at Black homeowners wants to empower households to understand the opportunities in building and renting accessory dwelling units.

Idaho’s Growth Obscures Massive Demographic Turnover, Study Says
Quick population growth is remaking Idaho, but focusing only on raw population numbers masks the demographic changes at work.

Remote Work Is Here To Stay
Based on available data, working from home is likely to remain a popular option with a high percentage of workers, changing the ways and places Americans live, work, and travel.

Boston Will Urge Developers to Provide Diversity Disclosures
Stopping short of a mandate, the city plans to request that developers provide information about diversity and inclusion on their teams.

‘Instagrammed to Death’ or a Return to Pre-Pandemic Normal?
Familiar controversies might seem reassuring in 2022.

Cost of Living Rising Sharply for College Students
High inflation, rising tuition costs, and a competitive housing market are making it hard for college students to make ends meet.

This Manufactured Home Park Will Soon Be Boat Storage, But One Resident Stays To Fight
Angela Kaufman purchased what she thought would be her longtime home in a mobile home community. Less than a year after she moved, the park was sold and residents were told they had to go.

Urban Design Through a Gender Lens
Building cities to be safe and accessible for women and LGBTQIA+ people has benefits for all users of public space.

Denver Suburb Points Spotlight at Racial Covenants
A symbolic, but necessary, action.

'Intersections + Identities: A Radical Rethinking of Our Transportation Experiences'
The American Planning Association's free "State of Transportation Planning Report" includes more than two dozen interesting and entertaining chapters by diverse authors on the subjects of planning resilience, equity, technology and mobility.

Opinion: Aging Population, Declining Fertility Requires Long-Term Investments
Faced with the dire consequences of a one-two punch of aging populations and declining birthrates, one writer has suggestions for how policy can help ensure a better future.

Fort Worth To Study Transit Opportunities in its Poorest Neighborhoods
Residents in the 76104 ZIP code, where life expectancy is the lowest in Texas, lack access to effective transit and essential needs.

Philadelphia Wants To Address Racial Bias in Home Appraisals
The city convened a task force to assess the state of appraisal bias and recommend ways to improve equity in real estate appraisal.

Report: Milwaukee Racial Homeownership Gap Increasing
The inequality in the city’s housing market is growing at a rate surpassing other peer cities.

Playgrounds as an Essential Amenity
A London organization is working to bring ‘adventure playgrounds’ to park-poor neighborhoods, arguing that outdoor play is a key factor in child development.
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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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie