Social / Demographics

Report Examines Flow of Jobs and Workers

This report from The Brookings Institution examined census data for the largest 150 municipalities in the U.S. to determine if and how jobs follow rising populations of workers, and what cities can do to increase access to jobs and workers.

January 9, 2008 - The Brookings Institution

The Health Risks of Suburbia

Suburban and sprawling neighborhoods have been connected with disease and obesity in a new report.

January 7, 2008 - The Globe and Mail

Revival Through the Arts

As the population continues to drop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, many in the city are looking to the arts as a way to revive and rebuild the community.

January 6, 2008 - The Next American City

Israel's Wall of Control in Palestine

This article from Progressive Planning discusses the walls that run more than 700 kilometers in Palestine. But as author Gary Fields writes, this barrier is not about security, it's about control.

January 5, 2008 - Progressive Planning

The Evolution of San Francisco - Winners & Losers

San Francisco is in flux - more than just the sky-line is changing. Middle-class families, blacks, even Latinos may be in flight while whites and Asians are on the rise, and the young and old rich fill the new high-rises.

January 5, 2008 - The San Francisco Chronicle

California Is Defined By Cultural Changes Accompanying Its Enormous Growth

Sacramento Bee columnist Dan Walters examines both state and Census Bureau growth figures for California, concluding that the significant difference is less important than what the huge growth means for the future of the nation's most populous state.

January 4, 2008 - The Sacramento Bee

'Nature-Deficit Disorder'

In this interview from Land&People, author Richard Louv discusses his research into the importance of interaction with nature in child development, and explains his concept of "nature-deficit disorder".

January 3, 2008 - Land&People

Addressing Climate Change In The Megacities

The increasing populations of the world's cities have a large impact on energy use and global warming. These populations should be a major focus of efforts to address climate change, according to this article from CNN.

January 3, 2008 - CNN

Urban Areas, Redefined

Around the world, urban areas have new names -- micropolis, aerotropolis and city-region. But are they cities?

January 2, 2008 - The Financial Times

The Life And Death Of The Shopping Mall

Once thriving, America's indoor shopping malls are on the decline, and many predict their death may finally come within the next few years.

January 2, 2008 - The Economist

The Smoke Clears In Paris

Beginning tomorrow, smoking will be banned in all public restaurants, bars and cafes in Paris, a city where smoking is as much a part of the culture as an addiction.

December 31, 2007 - International Herald Tribune

Finding Canada's Happy Place

A new Canadian study shows that people in smaller, less affluent cities are happier than those in larger, rapidly-growing ones.

December 31, 2007 - The Globe & Mail

Thoughts on America's Affordable Housing Shortage

This report from NPR looks at the shortage of affordable housing in America.

December 30, 2007 - NPR

Friday Funny: Most Lustful US Cities?

Forbes has published its ranking of the America's 10 Most Lustful Cities. If you're looking for love, start in San Antonio or Cincinnati.

December 28, 2007 - Forbes

Designing The Female-Friendly City

As women become a larger segment of the nation's urban population, more planners are recognizing the importance of addressing the concerns of women through urban design.

December 28, 2007 - USA Today

Louisiana Rebounds, But Nevada Grows Fastest

More than 50,000 people were added to the population of Louisiana in 2007, where growth has been gradual since more than 250,000 fled after Hurricane Katrina. Nevada has regained its long-held title as the nation's fastest growing state.

December 28, 2007 - The Washington Post

California Growth Slows As Out-Migration Continues

Far more residents left the Golden State than arrived from other states, but births and foreign in-migration kept the state growing to 37,771,431 residents, with 3/4 of total population increase resulting from births alone.

December 26, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

Will Retiring Baby Boomers Revive The Cohousing Movement?

Cohousing could be the answer for seniors looking for a strong sense of community and support from neighbors as they age.

December 26, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

Saving Lives With Urban Planning

With auto accidents the leading cause of death for teenagers, there's yet another reason to build communities that don't make us dependent on our cars.

December 25, 2007 - Fort Worth Star Telegram

Toy Libraries Critical To Childhood Development

Libraries for toys are popping up in developing countries all over the world, and especially in Africa, giving poor children a glimpse of a less troubled childhood. Many say the simple libraries are making big changes in the children's development.

December 21, 2007 - The Christian Science Monitor

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.