United States

Text and Drive

Study: Distracted Driving Contributing to Dangerous Roads

Many drivers report feeling pressured to respond to work-related calls or texts while driving, leading to more distracted driving and riskier road conditions.

April 12, 2022 - Fleet Owner

Pandemic Public Health

The 'Eviction Tsunami' and Other Pandemic Projections

The ups and downs of the pandemic have been extremely hard to predict, so the consequences of the pandemic have been just as unforeseeable—despite the efforts of a nation of armchair prognosticators.

April 11, 2022 - The Atlantic

Pedestrian Safety

Report: U.S. Pedestrians Keep Dying at Higher Rates

Pedestrian deaths rose again in the first half of 2021, according to research from the Governors Highway Safety Administration.

April 10, 2022 - Governors Highway Safety Association

Solar panels in a green field

Local Opposition Threatens to Cripple Solar Expansion

A bevy of real and unfounded claims against solar farms is feeding a growing opposition movement in rural areas.

April 8, 2022 - Reuters

Sprawl

The Urgent Need for Climate Action Includes Land Use Reforms, IPCC Report Says

The United Nations International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its latest report earlier this week, sounding the alarm that time is running out to make the changes that can prevent the worst outcomes of climate change.

April 8, 2022 - The Washington Post

Rural bus stop

How Rural Transit Systems Are Doing More With Less

With limited resources and dispersed service areas, rural transit systems are turning to technology to provide on-demand service and improve transit options for residents.

April 8, 2022 - Smart Cities Dive

Apartment for Rent sign

Emergency Assistance Has Helped Renters, but Hurdles Remain

Research shows pandemic rent relief programs made a significant difference for struggling renters.

April 8, 2022 - Joint Center for Housing Studies

Broadband cable spool in rural area

Making Broadband Investments Count

As connectivity becomes increasingly important to everyday life, policymakers at all levels can take action to streamline broadband infrastructure projects and improve internet access for all communities.

April 7, 2022 - Fortune

Man plugging cable into home modem

Housing Providers Build Bridges Over the Digital Divide

Internet connectivity has become as important as basic utilities, but millions of people who live in affordable housing still lack access to devices and connections. Housing managers are finding innovative ways to fix that.

April 7, 2022 - Shelterforce Magazine

Gas Pumps

Waging War on High Gas Prices

America is not at war, but that didn't stop President Joe Biden from calling the largest release of oil from the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve that he authorized on March 31 to lower oil prices, a 'wartime bridge.'

April 6, 2022 - Washington Examiner

Subway Station

How Transit Agencies Can Offer Supportive Services

As more people experiencing homelessness seek shelter in transit facilities, transit agencies are looking for ways to offer assistance and reduce interactions with law enforcement.

April 5, 2022 - The New York Times

Image of transit oriented development around Union Station in Denver.

Tech Jobs Could Be Dispersing Away From 'Superstar' Cities

The rise of remote work and a need for new talent may be pushing tech companies away from their traditional hubs, but 'superstar' cities continue to lead the way.

April 5, 2022 - Brookings

Housing Construction

U.S. Faces Historic Housing Shortages, With Roots in the Recession and Local Zoning Restrictions

The long-term effects of the Great Recession were timed very poorly for millions of Millennials aging into homebuying years. The pandemic and the traditional zoning preferences of communities aren't doing first-time homebuyers any favors.

April 4, 2022 - NPR

Energy Use

U.S. to Help European Union Achieve Energy Security

President Joe Biden and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced in Brussels the formation of a joint task force to help the European Union reduce dependence on Russian energy in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

April 3, 2022 - Euractiv

Texas Wind

Renewable Energy as a Political Issue

Texas leads the country in wind energy production, but it, and other conservative states, continue to resist efforts to promote the switch to renewables.

April 3, 2022 - The Atlantic

Silicon Valley

How Rent Control Helped Create East Palo Alto

The story of East Palo Alto’s incorporation is one marked by great contention among local stakeholders, but also provides valuable lessons for organizers in forging and mobilizing local coalitions.

March 31, 2022 - Shelterforce Magazine

Trailer Park

Mobile Home Residents Face Rising Displacement Threat

As investors continue to eye mobile home parks as a profitable opportunity, current residents, many elderly and low-income, face steep rent hikes and possible eviction.

March 30, 2022 - The New York Times

Elderly Walking

Designing for Dementia

Proponents of 'dementia design' call for inclusive design that centers the experience of people living with dementia and other disabilities that impact how they experience the urban environment.

March 29, 2022 - Being Patient

Washington State Electric Car Infrastructure

New 'Human-Centered' EV Charging Stations Aim To Improve User Experience

Volkswagen-owned Electrify America plans to make its new charging stations more user-friendly with solar panel awnings and waiting lounges.

March 28, 2022 - The Verge

The cover of the AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit shows silhouettes of people crossing a street.

Free From AARP: Walk Audit Tool Kit and Worksheets

AARP recently published an all new, 28-page, image-filled guide—and 11 downloadable worksheets—for how to assess and report on the safety and walkability of a street, intersection, or neighborhood.

March 28, 2022 - AARP

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

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.