United States

Sprawl Doesn't Decrease Social Interaction

Critics of sprawl argue that sprawling, low-density development weakens social capital and the level of social interaction. A new working paper finds that these criticisms are unfounded, and in fact, the reverse is true.

December 13, 2006 - UCI School of Social Sciences

A&P, Wal-Mart, And The American Consumer Identity

Sixty years ago, chains like A&P and Woolworth transformed American citizens into consumers. Shedding this consumer identity is key to turning back the big-box tide, says Stacy Mitchell, the author of a recent book on mega-retailers.

December 13, 2006 - AlterNet

Rental Housing Costs Increased 28% Since 2000

A person must earn at least $28,475 a year to afford the fair market rent on a one-bedroom apartment in the U.S. in 2006.

December 13, 2006 - CNNMoney

Do You Need A Parking Space With That?

While most cities are extremely reluctant to permit housing without parking, a few are taking steps to reduce or eliminate the typical requirements and allow developers to provide less parking and unbundle spaces from units.

December 12, 2006 - The New York Times

Best Ideas Of 2006 Features Innovations In Planning

Urban design, housing for homeless people, and planning for decreased population are highlighted in the New York Times Magazine's annual survey of innovative ideas.

December 12, 2006 - The New York Times

Does Sprawl Cause Obesity? Maybe Not

A new study released by a University of Toronto researcher suggests that sprawl is not necessarily the cause of the obesity widely reported to exist in sprawling areas, but rather obese people may simply be attracted to sprawl.

December 12, 2006 - The Chicago Tribune

Cohousing Projects Increasing Nationwide

Land has been purchased for what will be Oakland's fourth cohousing project, a collection of about 33 housing units with an underlying purpose of cooperation and community. Similar community housing projects are cropping up across the country.

December 12, 2006 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Katrina Cottages Not Heading For Katrina Victims

Buyers from other parts of the country are threatening to snap up the supply of homes before they can get to storm victims.

December 11, 2006 - The Clarion-Ledger

It's Not Just About the Bubble

The "housing bubble" isn't the only threat facing the U.S. economy: the problem is compounded by the securitization of risky mortgages on international money markets -- which are going to be in trouble as defaults increase.

December 11, 2006 - Money Week

The New Urbanism, Minus The Urban?

A growing number of exclusive gated communities in remote areas, dubbed "The New Ruralism", is raising eyebrows among planners, environmentalists, and local residents.

December 11, 2006 - Utne Reader

Promoting Brownfield Development

While the redevelopment of contaminated sites has come a long way, challenges remain for cities and developers working on brownfields.

December 11, 2006 - Public Management Magazine

National Drought Policy Bill Heads To Bush For Approval

The U.S. Senate recently approved legislation seeking to create a national drought policy to improve drought preparedness, mitigation and response efforts. It is estimated that drought conditions have a $6 billion economic impact annually.

December 10, 2006 - New Mexico Business Weekly

Inhofe: Global Warming is 'Mass Delusion'

Sen. James M. Inhofe (R-OK) blames the media for hyping coverage of climate change.

December 9, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Planning For Bicycle Commuting

Cities across the country are making plans to encourage more people to bike to work.

December 9, 2006 - Christian Madera

Friday Funny: Baldo Contemplates Purchasing A Hybrid Car

A recent comic strip pokes fun at the hybrid car craze among many eco-conscious Americans.

December 8, 2006 - San Jose Mercury News

Friday Funny: South Dakota Reopens To Handle U.S. Overpopulation

The state of South Dakota -- closed to the public since 1931 -- will be reopened to help the United States cope with its steadily rising population.

December 8, 2006 - The Onion

This Is Not Your Father's Commune

So-called "intentional communities" are a small, albeit growing trend in the housing market. Could co-housing be making a comeback?

December 8, 2006 - Mortgage News Daily

How To Work With NIMBYs

One developer offers advice for his colleagues confronted with local communities opposed to any new development.

December 8, 2006 - San Diego Daily Transcript

Where Urban Design Meets Behavioral Psychology

Using an understanding of how our environment sends messages to our brain and influences behavior, a number of new projects are redesigning public space in an attempt to way pedestrians and motorists interact.

December 8, 2006 - Seed Magazine

Study Reveals Growth In Suburban Poverty

As suburbs have increased in population, so too have their rates of poverty, according to a new Brookings Institution Report. Suburban poor now outnumber their inner-city counterparts for the first time.

December 8, 2006 - The Mercury News

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.

Senior Planner

planning NEXT

Home and Land Services Coordinator

Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

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.