Social / Demographics

New Orleans Population Reaches 60% of Pre-Katrina Total

Numbers continue to rise in New Orleans, where multiple demographic sources show the population at 60% of the total population before Hurricane Katrina hit in August 2005.

August 9, 2007 - Associated Press via The Clarion-Ledger

How Seattle Has Grown

Urban geographer Richard Morrill discusses the history of growth in Seattle, the influences that cause it, and which of the influences can be controlled.

August 8, 2007 - Crosscut

Annexation Called Unnecessary

The city of Jeffersonville, Indiana, has approved the annexation of more than 7,800 acres of nearby land -- a move that will increase the population by more than a third. Many of the people to be annexed are calling the move a land and money grab.

August 8, 2007 - The Courier-Journal

Multi-Family Homes Overtake Single-Family Homes In L.A.

In Los Angeles and much of Southern California, more multi-family homes are being planned and built than single-family residences.

August 7, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

Among Canadian Cities, Vancouver Is Number One

In a national survey on the best Canadian cities, Vancouver finished with top honors. But other Canadian cities were also recognized for their strengths.

August 7, 2007 - The Vancouver Sun

Is Diversity Bad For Cities?

While diversity has usually been trumpeted as a positive aspect of many urban areas -- new research by Harvard professor Robert Putnam suggests that increasing diversity leads to decreased levels of civic engagement and cooperation.

August 6, 2007 - The Boston Globe

Immigrants Provide Bright Spot In Otherwise Grim Housing Market

Immigration has become a hot spot in the presidential primaries, with immigrants being blamed for crime and consuming vital social services. Now a Harvard study has analyzed how they have affected, and will affect, the for-sale housing market.

August 6, 2007 - AP vis San Francisco Examiner

Americans Approve Of Surveillance Of Public Spaces

A recent poll shows the majority of Americans think the use of surveillance cameras in public spaces are a good idea.

August 5, 2007 - Angus Reid Global Monitor

Californians Bucking National Trend By Guzzling Less Gas

While American drivers are burning record amounts of gas to feed their motoring habits, a weird thing is happening in the freeway state – Californians continue to consume less gasoline. Sustained high gas prices may play a role by changing behavior.

August 4, 2007 - The Oakland Tribune

The Left-Leaning NIMBY

In Marin County and other wealthy, liberal enclaves, many residents are vocally supportive of affordable housing and other causes -- unless its in their neighborhood.

August 3, 2007 - Mother Jones

Idaho's Governor Proposes State Workers Stay Home And Telecommute

As roads become more congested, one congestion mitigation proposal would encourage state workers to telecommute.

August 3, 2007 - The Idaho Statesman

Why Gentrification Is Good

Opponents to gentrification often have a romanticized view of neighborhoods that prevents them from seeing how development is beneficial to everyone in a community -- rich and poor.

August 1, 2007 - American Thinker

Americans: Don't Stop Me From Driving (Or Parking) My Car

Whether is a proposal for congestion pricing in 2007 or the advent of parking meters in the 1930s, Americans have a way of being hostile towards plans that interfere with their 'constitutional right' to free driving and parking.

July 31, 2007 - Streetsblog

Working Together For Great Neighborhoods

In Kalamazoo, Michigan, citizens of all ages are engaging each other to create and maintain safe and active neighborhoods.

July 31, 2007 - Kalamazoo Gazette

The Rise Of The Surburban Slum?

William Fulton observes that while high-income households are flocking to the inner-city and gobbling up pricey condos, poor families are having to double and triple up just to afford a home in the suburbs.

July 31, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

Atlanta Foreclosures Provide An Affordable Housing Opportunity

An Atlanta city councilwoman is trying to launch an affordable-housing program based on leveraging homes abandoned due to the mortgage-lending crisis.

July 30, 2007 - Atlanta Business Chronicle

China's Rural-To-Urban Migration

In southwest China, one municipality is trying to usher in a new modern age by encouraging rural residents to move into urban areas. The flood may create one of the most populous cities in the world, but many rural migrants are hesitant to move.

July 29, 2007 - The Economist

What To Do When The Population Drops

Demographic trends are shifting all over the world, leading scientists to believe that the global population may soon peak and decline. Demographers argue that how countries and regions handle the decline will be critical in the long-term.

July 28, 2007 - The Economist

You Call That A Census?

Feeling undercut by Census 2006 population figures, county officials in Ohio are gathering support amongst the 49 municipalities concerned to issue a formal challenge to the Census Bureau.

July 27, 2007 - The Enquirer

What Happened To Phoenix?

The once "model city" that promised good jobs and inexpensive housing now offers clog roads, poor schools and rising crime.

July 27, 2007 - The Economist

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

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