The Biggest Stories from Five Years of Independence Days

Here's what the Planetizen audience was reading on the July 4ths of yesteryear.

1 minute read

July 4, 2016, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


4th of July Parade

Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock

The United States declared its independence 240 years ago today. Planetizen has been the independent resource for people passionate about planning and related fields for 16 years. We like to think the Planetizen archive is one of the site's most valuable resources, and what better time to remember where we came from than on Independence Day.

With that in mind, here's a tour of the most popular stories from the last five Fourth of Julys.

Adapting Landscape Architecture to the Anthropocene (2015)
Census: More Americans Living in 'Poverty Areas' (2014)
The Side Effects of Property Taxes (2013)
Tax Breaks for Big Business is Bad Policy (2012)
Cities Ready for Climate Change (2011)

Monday, July 4, 2016 in Planetizen

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

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

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

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog