Social / Demographics
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.
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.
'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".
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.
Urban Areas, Redefined
Around the world, urban areas have new names -- micropolis, aerotropolis and city-region. But are they cities?
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.
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.
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.
Thoughts on America's Affordable Housing Shortage
This report from NPR looks at the shortage of affordable housing in America.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fair Housing, But For Whom?
The Fair Housing Act was passed by Congress in 1968, but some minorities still struggle to obtain mortgages and home loans. This article from The Next American City asks why.
Housing The Most Vulnerable
Homeless advocates are working in Los Angeles to identify the city's most vulnerable homeless people on Skid Row. With this list the county intends to take a piecemeal approach to housing the city's homeless.
More Fast Food Options Make Residents Fatter
The higher the concentration of fast food restaurants in a city, the fatter its residents, according to a recent study from the University of Alberta.
City Noise Posing Health Threat
Ho Chi Minh City is one of the loudest cities in the world. It's excessive noise is being targeted by the World Health Organization as a serious threat to physical and mental health.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
