United States

White two-story abandoned farmhouse in lush green field surrounded by trees in West Virginia.

West Virginia Tackles Vacancy With Tax Reform

The Center for Community Progress made recommendations for tax reform in West Virginia to address vacancy. Guided by CCP's suggestions, the state auditor’s office has passed two laws to change its tax sales process and keep properties in use.

September 28, 2023 - Shelterforce Magazine

Close-up of Unalakleet, Alaska on map.

FTA Announces Tribal Transit Program Grants

The agency awarded close to $10 million to 22 communities around the country for transit improvements.

September 27, 2023 - Mass Transit

Students walking on sunny walkway on college campus.

How College Campuses Fulfill an Urbanist Dream

Most college campuses in the United States are inherently walkable, mixing various uses with diverse housing options and transit networks.

September 27, 2023 - The Daily

Man riding bicycle wearing black helmet on New York City street.

Tracking the Rise of Biking in the U.S.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, most U.S. cities saw a sharp rise in the number of trips taken by bike, but a recent plateau indicates a need for better infrastructure to promote continued growth.

September 27, 2023 - Bloomberg CityLab

Aerial view of small New Hampshire town with brick buildings and fall foliage.

How Homelessness Differs in Rural America

Although less visible than in major cities, the housing crisis is no less severe in many rural communities, where being unhoused poses unique challenges.

September 26, 2023 - The Daily Yonder

High-rise modern apartment buildings with green space in front courtyard with outdoor exercise equipment.

Architecture and the Housing Crisis

A new book brings architects into the housing discussion.

September 25, 2023 - Next City

Chicago Intercity Rail

Amtrak Ramping Up Infrastructure Projects

Thanks to federal funding from the 2021 infrastructure act, the agency plans to triple its investment in infrastructure improvements and new routes in the next two years.

September 25, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

Close-up of bioswale drain with pebbles and various small plants with water running through.

FEMA Climate Resilience Loans Target Small Communities

A new loan program reduces the bureaucratic hurdles to implementing small-scale climate adaptation projects.

September 22, 2023 - Grist

Young girl with pigtail braids boarding bus with blurred bus driver in driver's seat in background

The Unspoken Link Between Transit and Child Care

Already a challenge for many American parents, finding child care within reach of transit can be nearly impossible.

September 22, 2023 - Next City

Aerial view of residential buildings in Koreatown, Los Angeles with downtown skyline in background

How L.A. Failed to Stop Landlords From Turning Low-Cost Housing Into Tourist Hotels

Fifteen years ago, Los Angeles passed a law to preserve residential hotels as housing of last resort. Now, amid the homelessness crisis, Capital & Main and ProPublica found some hotels may be violating that law by offering rooms to tourists.

September 21, 2023 - Shelterforce Magazine

Close-up of yellow pedestrian crossing signal button with text "Push button for accessible signal" and diagram of person holding cane, indicating blindness.

New Guidelines Bring Clarity to Accessibility Requirements

The new rules could help bridge the gaps in accessibility infrastructure and ADA compliance, making roads and sidewalks safer for everyone.

September 21, 2023 - Strong Towns

Fast paced scene with people bike and cars at the busy intersection of 14th Street and 5th Avenue in New York City.

When it Comes to Transportation, It’s All About Options

Debunking the notion of the personal automobile as liberator.

September 21, 2023 - Strong Towns

Mosaic mural at Little Tokyo/Arts District transit station in downtown Los Angeles.

Prioritizing Equity in Federal Transit Funding

TransitCenter recommends several transit capital projects deserving of federal transportation dollars.

September 20, 2023 - TransitCenter

High voltage power line towers sillhouetted against colorful sunset sky.

Utilities Spending Less on Energy Efficiency Despite Higher Fuel Prices

A survey of major utilities reveals a link between states with strict efficiency standards and incentive programs and efforts to improve efficiency on the part of utilities.

September 20, 2023 - Governing

Man in orange jacket wearing surgical mask and bike helmet looks at phone while wearing delivery backpack and holding bicycle

How Long Covid Changes the Transportation Conversation

People living with long Covid symptoms can find themselves unable to make the same mobility choices they used to.

September 20, 2023 - Streetsblog USA

African-American parents push stroller down residential neighborhood sidewalk as young child rides scooter in front of them.

Appreciating the Spaces That Connect Us

Often overlooked, liminal spaces like front porches and sidewalks can boost social connections.

September 19, 2023 - CNU Public Square

A derelict sign on a barbed wire fence reads “Golf Course, Private, No Admittance.”

Converting Golf Courses to Housing Never as Easy as the Market Would Like

Thousands of golf courses have closed in recent years, but the obvious redevelopment opportunity represented by many defunct courses isn’t always easy to realize.

September 19, 2023 - The Business Journals

Graphic of busy city intersection with crosswalk, cars, people, and bike share station.

Book Excerpt: Inclusive Transportation: A Manifesto for Repairing Divided Communities

What is your transportation story?

September 18, 2023 - Veronica Davis

Aerial view of Whitefish, Montana with storm clouds in background

As Rural Areas Grow, So Do Tensions

The influx of new households to rural communities is driving up housing costs for existing residents and straining local infrastructure, sparking difficult conversations about future growth.

September 17, 2023 - Bloomberg CityLab

Close-up of window-mounted air conditioning unit on outside of red brick building

Report: ‘Energy Insecurity’ Hits Black Households Hardest

Extreme heat, poor housing quality, and the heat island effect make it harder for many households to afford energy bills.

September 17, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

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.