Urban

Suburban development in Long Island, NY

What Is a Suburb?

Another term lacking a consensus definition in the field of planning, "suburb" is usually deployed to describe residential communities outside central urban areas.

September 23, 2021 - James Brasuell

residential Neighborhood

Urban Link: UN Endorses a Uniform Measure for Urbanization

The Penn Institute for Urban Research's latest issue of Urban Link features Lewis Dijkstra writing on the Degree of Urbanisation, the first global definition of cities, towns and rural areas endorsed by the UN.

November 2, 2020 - Penn IUR Urban Link

Model Neighborhood

Urban, Suburban, or Rural?

The Pew Research Center digs into a question of definitions, fraught with exceptions and subjectivity.

November 25, 2019 - Decoded - Pew Research Center

Texas Apartments

Is the Urban-Suburban Divide Destined to Disappear?

In a new book, Hans Westlund and Tigran Haas argue that the global knowledge economy is radically reshaping urban development. Eventually, they say, it'll render meaningless our present notions of "urban," "suburban," and "rural."

September 20, 2018 - Regional Studies Association

Family Parking

Are Families Important in the 'New City'?

U.S. cities leave a lot to be desired for raising a family. However, is it really a worthwhile goal to make cities family friendly? Marin Gertler, a San Diego architect ponders the question after a recent visit to New York City.

June 13, 2016 - UrbDeZine

Political Winds Could End 'Black=Urban'

Pete Saunders examines the urban base of African-American politics since the Civil Rights and how recent trends in urbanization will require a restructuring of political agendas in cities all over the country.

October 6, 2014 - The Corner Side Yard

Housing Price Increases in Urban Areas Outpace Suburbs

As we've heard recently, home prices are on the rise throughout the United States. New research from Jed Kolko shows that increases are particularly acute in areas with high rises, multi-family housing, and a diversity of residents.

June 25, 2013 - The Atlantic Cities

Valentines for City Enthusiasts

If you're looking for the perfect Valentine's Day card for the planning enthusiast in your life, search no further. Five different Valentines show appreciation for cities and the people that live in them.

February 14, 2013 - CEOs For Cities

Will D.C. Stand Up for America's Cities?

In his column Urban Nation, Harry Moroz argues for deeper involvement from the federal government in urban policy in order to give American cities the fighting chance they deserve to be healthy and enjoyable places to live.

September 19, 2012 - Next American City

You Weigh Where You Live

A new study to be published in the fall issue of the Journal of Rural Health finds evidence that rural Americans are more likely to be overweight than their urban cohorts, reports Mary MacVean.

September 16, 2012 - Los Angeles Times

Love Thy Neighbor Through Delineated Design

Getting along is much easier when the fronts and backs of buildings are rational: public activities out front, private out back, and a street wall to keep them orderly.

August 17, 2012 - PlaceShakers

Disaster Planning Requires Social Safety Net

Nate Berg says that planners have a crucial role in making sure cities are prepared for natural disasters.

July 5, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

The Woes of Young Working-Class Heroes

Young, educated city natives are being forced to pit their financial needs against their geographic desires in a battle against gentrification.

June 20, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

Baby Boomers Ponder Their Next Move

Recent studies on older generations' dwelling and travel patterns show that urban areas may provide more mobility and independence than suburban areas with less access to public transit.

June 19, 2012 - MinnPost

A Taste of Urbanism in Charlotte

Can a "munching tour" along "an auto-focused commercial strip of tattered, 1970s-era Americana 5 miles from downtown" Charlotte help redefine what "urbanism" in 21st-century America means for Mary Newsom?

May 30, 2012 - Citiwire.net

Unlearning How To Speak As A Planner

Emily Badger delivers a lesson in how to navigate the linguistic minefield awaiting anyone who endeavors to talk about cities with those who don't live in one.

March 24, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

From Landscape to Soundscape in Urban Placemaking

Chuck Wolfe outlines the importance of soundscapes to cities past, present and future, and describes efforts to both document urban sounds and use sound as a planning tool.

March 7, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

Urban Revitalization: Baby Steps or the Magic Bullet?

Writer Tara Sturm explores the merits of incremental urbanism on revitalization efforts with the help of L.A. architect Alan Pullman, highlighting grassroots, community-driven economic development.

February 3, 2012 - Buildipedia.com

Africa's Urban Harvest

Faced with climate change and poverty, Africans are focusing on a new farming frontier: the cities.

November 28, 2011 - OnEarth

Big Boxes Going Urban

Big box retailers are continuing to target urban markets, and finding new ways to squeeze their large sizes into dense urban settings.

December 23, 2010 - NPR

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

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The best of the Internet—since 2002.

Top Apps

Planning apps for a brave new world.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

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.