World

Squirrel

The Fascinating World of Urban Evolution

Animals are not only evolving in remarkable ways to meet the challenges of urban environments, but they are doing it quickly.

October 4, 2019 - Wired

Air Conditioner

The High Cost of Cool Air

Air conditioning has drastically changed modern life and the ways cities have developed. But, the environmental consequences are immense, and it’s time to cut back.

September 14, 2019 - The Guardian

Skateboard Park

Skateboarding and the City

Skateboarding is becoming a legitimate part of the urban landscape by revitalizing public spaces and engaging young people and the broader community.

September 4, 2019 - The Conversation

Transportation Network Companies

Uber's Complicated Story

Since its founding a decade ago, Uber has reshaped the world through a trajectory of highs and lows.

September 2, 2019 - The New York Times

Footprint on sand at beach

Sand and the Modern World

Sand has always been an essential part of human life and the rise of cities. but its impact and the world’s dependence on it have been largely overlooked.

August 8, 2019 - 99% Invisible

Ferrari Sports Car

Regulating Car Ads to Discourage Unsafe Driving

Dangerous driving is a common feature of U.S. car ads, but other countries have banned this advertising because it glorifies reckless behavior.

June 5, 2019 - Streetsblog USA

Thailand

New on Netflix: How Street Vendors Create Vibrant Cities

Street vending has been a contentious issue in many places, but this part of the informal economy is important to the social and economic well-being of cities.

May 28, 2019 - CityLab

Los Angeles River

Concrete’s Contribution to the Rise and Decline of Civilization

As the world becomes more encased in concrete, the detrimental effects of its widespread use are increasing in scale and severity.

March 17, 2019 - The Guardian

SimCity 2013

SimCity’s Impact and Evolution

The video game has inspired many people to pursue careers in planning. But, the newest version is also trying to better align the simulations with what planners face in the real world.

March 7, 2019 - Los Angeles Times

Desalination

Desalination Plants Produce More Brine Than Fresh Water

The plants provide much-needed fresh water, but the environmental costs are immense.

January 22, 2019 - National Geographic

Dar es Salaam

Compact Cities Are Environmentally and Economically More Sustainable

Sprawl leads to more emissions, but the economic costs are also high. Policies and strategies that ensure compact growth are essential.

December 3, 2018 - World Resources Institute

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.

Top Websites

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.