Social / Demographics

What Happens When A Company Town Scales Back Public Services?

The quaint lumber company town of Scotia, California, fears a merger with its slightly larger, but economically-depressed neighbor across the river.

July 12, 2006 - The New York Times

Will Tampa Be The Next New Orleans?

A University of South Florida professor predicts that a hurricane with similar intensity as Katrina would cause even greater devastation to Tampa Bay than was experienced by New Orleans in 2005.

July 12, 2006 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Planning for Good Health

Sacramento's MPO thinks it's time to re-establish the old link between public health and city planning. But is smart growth really healthier? And whose responsibility is it to build healthy cities anyways?

July 12, 2006 - The Next American City

The Younger Crowd Wants Transit

As the country's housing preferences shift from the widely spread to the urban and dense, the prevalence of transit-oriented development planning increases.

July 12, 2006 - Smart Growth Online

South Africa To Distribute Industry

The South African government has unveiled a new plan to spread its industrial development -- and the jobs it provides -- to poor regions in the country.

July 12, 2006 - Business Day

Permanent Housing for Homeless Alcoholics

King County, Washington, offers permanent apartments for "chronic public inebriates" who are allowed to drink in their new homes.

July 11, 2006 - The New York Times

Census Releases 2005 Population Estimates

Figures show change in growth trends across the sun belt with shifts from large cities to outlying communities.

July 10, 2006 - USA Today

Your Own Private Utopia

Using Wrights & Sites new "A Mis-Guide To Anywhere", city dwellers around the world can unlock a "mental toolkit" that will help them discover the extraordinary in the seemingly mundane urban experience, writes author Phil Smith.

July 10, 2006 - Phil Smith

Incentivizing People Out of Poverty

Several non-profit organizations around the country are using prizes to help motivate the poor to improve their lives.

July 10, 2006 - The Wall Street Journal

'Bamboo Trains' -- Cambodia's Ride Of Choice

Cambodians frustrated with shoddy trains and inconsistent service have taken transportation into their own hands, constructing and operating trains made primarily out of bamboo. The trains run at nearly 25 mph and are largely meeting transit needs.

July 7, 2006 - BBC

One Of The Last Company Towns In America Is For Sale

Residents of Scotia, CA, hope that their community can retain its unique after the sale.

July 7, 2006 - The New York Times

The Growing Demand For Gay Retirement Communities

Gay and lesbian seniors are increasingly seeking retirement communities that fit their lifestyle.

July 6, 2006 - USA Today

Brain Drain: Singapore Drawing Researchers From U.S.

Lured by billions of dollars in government investment, brand new research equipment and facilities, and the opportunity to conduct research unfettered by social politics, biotech researchers are increasingly setting up shop in Singapore.

July 5, 2006 - Austin American-Statesman

Death Of An Urban Farm

When authorities closed down the South Central garden in Los Angeles, the community lost more than an urban farm writes columnist Al Martinez.

July 4, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Thousands Are Displaced As Indian Slum Is Bulldozed

The Indian government has demolished a housing slum in Mumbai, displacing thousands. Though the government has promised replacement homes for many of the slum's documented citizens, thousands without documentation are now also without homes.

July 4, 2006 - BBC

How Women React To Molestation On Public Transit

Writer and professor Deborah Tannen compares the experiences of American women who were molested on public transit with those of Greek women who are markedly less tolerant of such behavior.

July 4, 2006 - The New York Times

Driving With Mr. Zhu

One American journalist rides along with members of China's new car owning class as they discover the thrill of the open road.

July 4, 2006 - The New York Times Magazine

World Cup 2006 Extravaganza

July 3, 2006 - Michael Jelks

The Paradox Of Gardens During War

A review of Kenneth Helphand's new book "Defiant Gardens: Making Gardens in Wartime".

July 3, 2006 - The Capital Times

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.

Senior Manager Operations, Urban Planning

New York City School Construction Authority

Building Inspector

Village of Glen Ellyn

Manager of Model Development

Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO

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.