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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Promoting Brownfield Development
While the redevelopment of contaminated sites has come a long way, challenges remain for cities and developers working on brownfields.
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.
Inhofe: Global Warming is 'Mass Delusion'
Sen. James M. Inhofe (R-OK) blames the media for hyping coverage of climate change.
Planning For Bicycle Commuting
Cities across the country are making plans to encourage more people to bike to work.
Friday Funny: Baldo Contemplates Purchasing A Hybrid Car
A recent comic strip pokes fun at the hybrid car craze among many eco-conscious Americans.
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.
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?
How To Work With NIMBYs
One developer offers advice for his colleagues confronted with local communities opposed to any new development.
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.
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.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
