Equity

View down California Street in San Francisco, California with Chinatown pagoda buildings and golden hour sky in background.

Is Inequality Destroying American Cities?

A recent video claimed that high income inequality is the “Thing That Will Destroy Our Cities.” Is this true?

March 13, 2024 - Michael Lewyn

Red hand lit up as "don't walk" pedestrian signal.

Washington State’s Unhoused Residents Receive Close to Half of Jaywalking Tickets

Homeless people make up 0.4 percent of the state’s population but receive over 40 percent of jaywalking tickets.

March 8, 2024 - The Seattle Times

Hazy view of Interstate 5 freeway in Los Angeles, California.

Study: Air Pollution Disproportionately Impacts Communities of Color

The negative effects of poor air quality occur at higher rates in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, according to new research.

March 7, 2024 - George Washington University

Close-up of bronze plaque on building with "United States Environmental Protection Agency" text.

EPA Releases Equity Action Plan

The agency is taking a more holistic approach to addressing environmental justice concerns.

March 6, 2024 - The Equation

Black-and-white photo of street with old black model T and brick building on the corner.

The History of Racial Zoning and Housing Discrimination in the US

More than a century of discriminatory housing policy divided cities and contributed to the racial wealth gap and other social and economic inequities.

February 29, 2024 - Urban Land Magazine

Close-up of bottom half of stroller being pushed onto sidewalk with no curb cut by person in jeans and brown shoes.

How Infrastructure Communicates Values

The presence and quality of sidewalks, curb cuts, and other basic elements of infrastructure can speak to much more than just economic decisions.

February 23, 2024 - Strong Towns

Aerial view of highway through neighborhood in Oakland, California.

How Transportation Policy Impacts Public Health

One expert calls for collaboration between agencies in different fields to plan more thoughtfully for public health and equity.

February 21, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

CLose-up of pothole in asphalt road filled with water reflecting grey cloudy sky.

Poor Road Quality Leading to Higher Gas Use

Commuters in Massachusetts communities with worse roads use more gas, with the costs disproportionately impacting low-income households.

February 15, 2024 - University of Massachusetts Amherst

Bronze statue of Rosa Parks sitting on bus bench in center of plaza by Dallas transit station.

Philadelphia Transit Officials Honor Civil Rights Activists

A ceremony held Monday celebrated people who contributed to the desegregation of public transit.

February 6, 2024 - CBS Philadelphia

Historic homes with intricate white trim on tree-lined street in Richmond, Virginia.

Richmond Program Promotes Black Homeownership

Economic Mobility and Black Homeownership Pilot identified barriers to homeownership and provides homebuyers with down payment assistance and counseling.

January 18, 2024 - Next City

Close-up of blurred empty vinyl chairs with person sitting in background and wheelchair visible in hospital waiting room.

Linking Transportation Access and Public Health

Millions of Americans miss medical care and other important day-to-day appointments due to a lack of access to reliable transportation.

January 17, 2024 - U.S. News & World Report

Close-up of historic building with green facade and curved windows in San Francisco, California.

Op-Ed: A ‘Culture of Preciousness’ Undermines Historic Preservation

A focus on historic materials could foster inequity and obscure the important social and historical meanings of a structure.

January 11, 2024 - Next City

View of traffic on a multilane highway with superimposed yellow triangles identifying vehicles.

How Autonomous Should Cities Be?

AI could automate many urban systems, but that may not mean it’s a good idea.

January 4, 2024 - The Conversation

Colorful murals in freeway underpass in San Diego's Chicano Park.

Opinion: Enhancing Inclusive Development: The Crucial Role of the Creative Class in Urban Planning

How bringing local artists into the development process can foster more vibrant, equitable neighborhoods.

December 11, 2023 - Wells Davis

BlueLA car share car parked in Los Angeles.

Study: Equity in Car Share Programs Requires Low Cost, Broad Coverage

Data from a Los Angeles car share program showed its impact on underserved communities was ‘limited by its small footprint.’

November 27, 2023 - Streetsblog USA

stack of books

Planetizen’s Top Planning Books of 2023

The world is changing, and planning with it.

November 24, 2023 - Planetizen Team

Yellow and black stoplights on horizontal post with small traffic camera.

Study Assesses Attitudes on Traffic Cameras in Boston’s Black Communities

Residents are wary of the new technology’s potential for surveillance, but support boosting enforcement while reducing interaction with police.

November 24, 2023 - Streetsblog Massachusetts

Green trees reflected in high-rise skyscrapers.

Urban Design for Sustainability

The way we build cities can have significant impacts on public health and equity.

November 16, 2023 - Colorado Newsline

Rendering of 11th Street Bridge Park in Washington, D.C. on old bridge across Anacostia River.

DC Park Aims for Equitable Development

Project leaders working on the 11th Street Bridge Park hope to prevent displacement of residents and bring economic and social benefits to the surrounding community.

November 14, 2023 - Fast Company

Green grass soccer field with Los Angeles skyline in background.

Using Data and Partnerships to Build Sports Facilities

Data and partnerships have supported the recent development and improvement of sports facilities in underserved communities in Los Angeles County.

November 6, 2023 - Parks & Rec Business

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Top Books

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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.