Demand

Gentrification

The Rent Gap Theory

Some urbanism commentators suggest that gentrification is the result of a "rent gap" between actual and potential rent. How should this theory affect zoning policy?

January 15, 2020 - Michael Lewyn

Tiny House

Price Elasticity of Demand, Explained

Many transportation challenges could be solved by a more informed understanding of price elasticity of demand, according to this article.

December 17, 2019 - City Observatory

Uber Taxi

Uber's Demand Curve Is a Breakthrough for Users and Economists

Uber users are getting massive amounts of value from the service, according to a new analysis only possible in the post-transportation network company era.

September 25, 2016 - The Wall Street Journal

Moving Truck

Does New Housing Create New Demand for Housing?

One argument against new housing is that it creates demand for housing, thus increasing housing prices.

May 24, 2016 - Michael Lewyn

High Rise Construction

Supply, Demand, and Housing Prices, Part 2

Rebutting arguments against the law of supply and demand.

October 27, 2015 - Michael Lewyn

Vancouver Skyline

Supply and Demand Denialism

Some progressives deny that the law of supply and demand applies to housing.

February 10, 2015 - Michael Lewyn

facades of victorian style residences in San Francisco

Protecting San Francisco's Character Has Transformed It

By "protecting" San Francisco's physical character through down-zoning and NIMBY activism, the city has transformed its social character, as families, young adults, and others flee the city to find cheaper rents. A regional solution is required.

October 14, 2013 - The Atlantic Cities

Did London Misjudge Demand for Bike Sharing?

In a review of the new bike sharing program in London, The Economist raises the question of whether the city wrongly predicted the existing demand for the service.

January 11, 2011 - The Economist

Sprawl and the Free Market

This piece from The Freeman looks at the debate over sprawl and whether free market economics encourage it or offer a solution.

August 18, 2010 - The Freeman

San Francisco Considers Demand-Based Parking Prices

San Francisco's transportation agency has proposed the installation of parking meters in a handful of neighborhoods that dynamically change their prices according to the time of day and the related demand.

June 3, 2010 - San Francisco Examiner

Jane Jacobs Missed the Mark on Density

Jane Jacobs is probably the most well-regarded writer on urban issues in American history. But, as economist Edward L. Glaeser argues, her stance on urban density is a little bit off-target.

May 5, 2010 - The New York Times

Amtrak's Struggle To Catch Up To Demand

This article from Next American City looks at rising ridership on Amtrak and how the train operator is not quite ready to handle it.

September 15, 2008 - Next American City

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.