Introducing Urbanist TikTok

It was only a matter of time, and we're probably well behind the times, but the social media platform du jour, TikTok, has a lot to offer the discerning urbanist.

1 minute read

June 29, 2021, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Social Media Apps

It might be time to make room on your homescreen for another social media app. | Jason A. Howie / flickr

Caitlin Rogger shares the recommendations of Greater Greater Washington staffers for urbanist TikTok recommendations.

The results include @TalkingCities, which recently produced a viral hit with a blistering critique of car-centric planning.

@mrbarricade also had a viral hit with a passionate discussion of a protected intersection in San Jose, California (designed by Mr. Barricade himself).

Rogger also shares a Tik Tok from @frederick_lewis1, who describes the environmental racism apparent in the land uses of Harris County, Texas.

As for why anyone and everyone should care about the urbanism discussions happening on TikTok, Roggers writes the following:

To me, urbanism means making the most of cities’ great potential to bring values that many of us share to life: sustainability, equity, and human connection. It’s not always easy to communicate those connections to a mass audience, so I’m tickled by these short efforts that hit a sweet spot somewhere between the 140 characters of a tweet and a full-sized blog post in a more interpersonal format. 

Friday, June 11, 2021 in Greater Greater Washington

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog