Social / Demographics

Addressing Orphan Wells for Environmental Justice
Remediating and repurposing some orphan oil and gas wells into parks can turn environmental hazards into community assets, promoting health, environmental justice, and accessible green space for underserved areas.

Progressive Planning in Ideologically Conservative Communities
Planners must work in diverse political environments including conservative jurisdictions that are skeptical of new issues and perspectives. Here are ways to reconcile conflicting goals.

Research Shows White Communities Gain Affluence After Climate Disasters
People of color and lower-income residents tend to lose wealth despite the stated goals of federal assistance programs to restore communities impacted by disasters.

‘Newbie Humility’ Meets the ‘Imported NIMBY’
In a precautionary essay about moving to another place, Chuck Wolfe explains tensions between simple and practical community life and newcomers’ arguably gentrification-laced expectations.

Seoul’s Urban Parks Blossom with Books
The Reading in Seoul Garden event invited residents to enjoy free reading and relaxation activities, including digital and live programs, in scenic parks, fostering a sense of community amid the city’s autumn landscapes.

Future of Justice40 Initiative Hinges on Election
The program requires that 40 percent of some federal funds be used to benefit historically disadvantaged communities.

How LA County Parks are Fostering Equity
Los Angeles County's Department of Parks and Recreation actively engages the public through diverse methods to ensure parks and recreation programming align with community needs and priorities.

How the Built Environment Affects Your Mood
Humans have survived for millennia by staying together, not apart.

L.A. County’s New Climate Resilience Officer
As the CRO, Matthew Gonser is focused on tackling extreme heat, flooding, and wildfires while engaging the community and implementing systemic changes to build a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.

Rebuilding Hope: Restoring Manzanar's Baseball Field
Los Angeles artist Dan Kwong is leading a project to restore the baseball field at the Manzanar National Historic Site, honoring the resilience of Japanese Americans incarcerated there during World War II.

Will Hurricanes Drive Away Florida’s Retirees?
Some children of Florida retirees are urging their parents to leave hurricane-prone areas for safer regions.

Addressing Tree Canopy Disparity in South Los Angeles
A new study highlights the complex challenge of addressing tree canopy disparities in South L.A., where historical environmental injustices, budget constraints, and competing community priorities hinder efforts to increase equitable tree coverage.

Atlanta Beltline Expands Westside Trail and Redevelops Rail Corridor
The Beltline is expanding the Westside Trail with new sections, including the Kudzu Trail, while also redeveloping abandoned rail corridors, with completion expected between 2025 and 2027.

A Historic Golf Club's Community Revival
South LA’s Chester Washington Golf Club is experiencing a revitalization, blending its rich legacy with modern advancements while continuing to foster community, diversity, and fellowship.

APTA Report Documents Transit Equity Efforts
Transit agencies around the country are boosting their efforts to serve historically marginalized communities and make transit work better for the households that rely on it the most.

Love Letter to Asheville
A River Arts District resident and urbanist reflects on her experience in the former “climate haven” in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Study: Chicago Speed Cameras More Equitable Than Police
The city’s automated traffic enforcement cameras are issuing tickets at rates more aligned with the community’s racial makeup — unlike human police officers, according to a new analysis.

Insights and Innovations from the California Land Recycling Conference
The 2024 CLRC showcased innovative strategies for transforming brownfields into sustainable, equitable community assets, emphasizing environmental, social, and economic empowerment through land reuse.

Singapore: A Model for Longevity and Quality of Life
Singapore's remarkable rise in life expectancy, driven by government policies on health, green spaces, and social cohesion, has earned it the distinction of being named the world's sixth “Blue Zone.”

LGBTQ+ Elders Face Compounded Challenges in Accessing Fair and Equitable Housing
Lessons for building affirming, inclusive, and trauma-informed housing developments for older LGBTQ+ adults.
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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.
Smith Gee Studio
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City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)