Social / Demographics
India's Poor Displaced By Country's Industrialization
Land is being grabbed up all over India in efforts to industrialize the country and bring in foreign investment. The country's poor in these primarily agricultural areas are disproportionately affected by these acquisitions.
No More Mandatory Retirement For British Columbia
With Baby Boomers moving into their 60s and a significantly smaller population of younger workers, officials in British Columbia have passed a bill that will do away with the province's mandatory retirement age of 65.
Governor To Live Off Food Stamps
Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski has undertaken an experiment and social commentary stunt to survive on food stamps. He hopes his $21-a-week food budget will raise awareness of the plight of the low-income residents of his state.
Minneapolis Wants To Move Bus Stops To Fight Downtown Crime
Increased crime in downtown Minneapolis around bus stops prompts the mayor, police and businesses to pressure the transit agency to move 7th Street's bus stops three blocks away from the downtown entertainment district.
Plan To Increase Prison Capacity Meets Criticism
Under pressure from federal judges, California has approved plans to build 53,000 new prison and jail beds as part of a $7.3 billion construction effort. Critics say increasing capacity does not address the reasons why prisons are overcrowded.
Segregation Sends Women To The Back Of The Bus
Certain bus lines in Israel have an informal but strict practice of gender segregation, forcing women to sit in the back of the bus. Many women have protested this separation system, which is mainly enforced by riders in orthodox neighborhoods.
Growing Children In The City
Children are integral to the urban environment, yet we have shrunk the places where they can play, grow and thrive. Creating natural environments where children are free to imagine and play without instruction and structure is critical to our future.
Can Ottawa Become 'Cool'?
Amid recent talk amongst Canadian officials about the future of Canada's capital city, Ottawa, some say the government city is too square to become an international destination. But others see a way for Ottawa to "swagger".
Protesting The Use Of Ancestral Lands
Mohawk Indians in Canada have parked a bus on a busy rail line, effectively cutting off transit between Toronto and Ottawa. They are protesting against the government's use of their ancestral land for gravel mining.
Is Art Still Art If It's Public Art?
In an experiment to see what effect great art would have when placed out of context and in public space, acclaimed violinist Joshua Bell stood incognito in a Washington D.C. metro station, playing classical masterpieces during the morning commute.
Saving Money By Housing The Homeless
Housing advocates in British Columbia are pushing a "housing-first" policy to the local government as a way to combat homelessness and save money.
San Francisco Looks To Reverse Family-Flight Trend
Recently, a long-standing trend of family-flight from San Francisco seems to be reversing. The city hopes to retain more families in coming years, increasing the population of children and families back to peak amounts from nearly 50 years ago.
Eyes In The Sky
The Venezuelan government has plans to operate three remote-controlled zeppelins equipped with video cameras to monitor the streets of Caracas, the country's capital, where crime is high. Many are wary of the government's "big brother" tactics.
Is St. Louis Finally Turning Around?
St. Louis is an older American city that may share more in common with Detroit than perhaps any other city in the U.S. from an urban growth perspective. However, the population decline appears to finally be halting as downtown shows signs of rebirth.
Long Commutes Are Bad For Your Health
While long solo car commutes are tough on the environment (and increasingly the pocketbook), new research shows they has a negative effect on a person's health as well.
As The Nation Grows, Jersey City Shows How To Deal
Experiencing a rebound of smart growth and urban development, Jersey City, New Jersey, is becoming an example for other growing cities.
The Home Depot 'Paints' Itself Green
With stores in Canada already successfully selling its environmentally friendly products, the Home Depot looks to become the largest retailer of eco-friendly products in America.
Getting 'Creative' To Protect Artists' Spaces
A consultant's report recommends Atlanta codify the protection of artists' spaces in new zoning. Many cities are trying to redress the "Catch-22" of gentrification -- the displacement of artists from neighborhoods they helped turn around.
The Everyday Urbanism Of Brooklyn's Jamaica Avenue
Away from New York City's gentrified neighborhoods, there exists the middle class, ethnically diverse, and incredibly unglamorous neighborhoods of Brooklyn's Jamaica Avenue.
Memphis Newspaper Launches Online Crime-Tracking Website
On its MemphisCrimeStories.com site, the Memphis Commercial-Appeal utilizes GIS technology to allow residents to plug in their street name or zip code and see recently reported crimes in their areas.
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Moorpark
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Tyler Technologies
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
