Auto Industry

Is Tesla Ready for an Apple Moment?

A Quartz article describes the recent announcement of the Model 3, and the subsequent response by the market, as a "slow-motion disruption of the global auto industry."

April 14, 2016 - Quartz

The Middle Class Fights for Survival in Lima, Ohio

An article surveys Lima, Ohio's long-term residents, politicians, and economy to weave a narrative tracing the ups and downs of the shrinking small town.

October 16, 2014 - Rolling Stone

A History of 'Jaywalking' Shame: Santa Claus, Boy Scouts, and Clowns

With jaywalking enforcement policies recently making news in New York City and Los Angeles, more of the media is pushing back on long-held assumptions about who rules the road. Here’s a primer on how jaywalking became a crime.

February 12, 2014 - BBC News Magazine

Traffic Fatalities: How Manslaughter Became "Accidents"

Sarah Goodyear chronicles the transition of streets in America from public space to the exclusive domain of autos. Professor Peter Norton, author of "Fighting Traffic: Dawn of the Motor Age" explains the ingenuous strategy of the auto industry.

May 2, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

As Auto Industry Stumbles, Renewables Boom in the Midwest

The ailing auto industry has many manufacturers in the Midwest transitioning to the renewable energy market, opening factories to build wind turbine parts and solar panels.

August 26, 2009 - The Christian Science Monitor

The Fall of Windsor, Canada's Detroit

The Economist reports that the collapse of Detroit's auto industry has had a ripple effect up north, particularly in Windsor, Ontario.

August 5, 2009 - The Economist

The Shared Woes of the Auto Industry and the Black Middle Class

The downfall of the American auto industry is also having a major impact on middle and working class African-American families. This piece from the The New York Times Magazine looks at the connection.

June 29, 2009 - The New York Times Magazine

Electric Cars are Coming!

We're sorry to be buzz kills. But we've heard this one before. Like in 1990. And 1910. Do the automakers have the juice this time?

May 25, 2009 - Salon.com

The Future of Empty Car Dealerships: Results of the Planetizen Brainstorm

The results are in! We asked for you ideas for reusing the empty car dealerships cropping up around the country. Urban gardens? Flying car launch pads? These ideas may seem far out, but the number one answer may surprise you.

May 21, 2009 - Nate Berg

Brainstorm: What Should Cities Do With Their Newly Empty Car Lots?

With the auto industry struggling and car dealerships closing shop, what future do you see for empty car lots? Vote on ideas submitted by the Planetizen community, or suggest your own.

May 15, 2009 - Planetizen

Car Factory Revives Georgia City

West Point, Georgia began to decline when the textile industry moved out. Now, it's experiencing a renaissance as a new car factory moves into town, bringing 20,000 jobs by 2014.

May 8, 2009 - BBC

Detroit Needs More Than Auto Industry Revival

As the automotive industry takes a deep hit during the current economic recession, many tie the Detroit's hopes to those of the auto industry. But Richard Florida argues Detroit needs to think beyond the car business.

April 25, 2009 - NPR

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.

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.