Social / Demographics

Sweden Goes YIMBY

In Stockholm, Sweden, a new group calling themselves YIMBY 'Yes in My Backyard' is promoting a vision of a dense, dynamic city.

November 13, 2009 - The Christian Science Monitor - Global News Blog

Barroom Dispute Lands Planning Professor in Handcuffs

An argument in a New York City bar elevated to violence recently, when a male Columbia University planning professor punched a woman in the face.

November 12, 2009 - The New York Times

Beautiful Beirut

A former Beirut resident returns to the Lebanese city to find a vibrant and emerging tourist destination, but with many of the quirks of a developing country.

November 12, 2009 - The Guardian

Problems Loom for Urbanizing India

Two sets of graphs from show demographic trends in India that are likely to create a heavily urbanized country. But they aren't building the infrastructure to back up the growth, according to Thomas Crampton.

November 12, 2009 - Thomas Crampton

California Seeks Statewide Growth Strategy

The state of California is unveiling an effort to create a detailed strategy for how the state should grow. The ambitious plan is being kickstarted with a modest $2.5 million investment.

November 9, 2009 - The San Francisco Chronicle

The Art of Civic Engagement

In Starksboro, Vermont, planners are using storytelling and community art projects to get at the heart of what matters to residents.

November 9, 2009 - Burlington Free Press

Types of Development for the Creative Class

Cool Town Studios offers this list of 19 development types for the creative class.

November 9, 2009 - Cool Town Studios

Brain Gain in Eastern Germany

After twenty years of reunification, the eastern part of Germany is finally beginning to lure educated workers back.

November 8, 2009 - The New York Times

Finding A Sustainabe Path for Jakarta

Jakarta, Indonesia is the world's sixth most populated metropolitan area, and it's on track to move up in ranks within the next decade. Some planners are trying to figure out how to guide this developing megacity onto a sustainable path.

November 7, 2009 - The City Fix

When The Auto Columnist Gives Up His Car

What's this? The Wall Street Journal's 'car guy' - the reporter who writes about cars and roads, is .....without a car? As difficult as it may be to believe, Joseph White is now a carless urbanite in DC. Here is his first column in his new lifestyle.

November 6, 2009 - The Wall Street Journal

Car-Free Sundays Coming to L.A.?

A group of cyclists in Los Angeles is hoping to move forward in talks with the city to establish car-free days, based on the ciclovia street closures originated in Colombia.

November 5, 2009 - Los Angeles Times

Lost Your Wallet? Hope You're in Utah.

A new Gallup poll asks respondents whether they'd expect a lost wallet to be returned. The results indicate that trust in neighbors and well-being go hand-in-hand.

November 4, 2009 - Gallup

The Gardens of Baghdad

This piece from The New York Times looks at the role of private gardens and public-facing landscaping in the city of Baghdad.

November 3, 2009 - The New York Times

Motorist-Cyclist Trial a Rallying Call for Respect and Rights

The ongoing trial of a California driver who allegedly injured two cyclists on purpose has become a rallying point for cyclists around the country, who are hoping the verdict elicits greater respect to cyclists from motorists.

November 3, 2009 - Los Angeles Times

Study Finds Health Insurance Cheaper in Suburbs

A recent study of health insurance costs finds that people who live in suburban areas outside of Chicago pay less for health insurance than those who live in the urban core.

November 3, 2009 - Chicago Sun-Times

The Animated History of Midtown Manhattan

This animation from The New York Times examines the history of Midtown Manhattan -- from pristine island environment to bustling metropolis.

October 31, 2009 - The New York Times

Creating an Inclusive Cycling Community

Community Cycling Center is working to close the racial gap in Portland's cycling community.

October 30, 2009 - BikePortland.org

Parents Banned from Playgrounds

The Watford Borough Council has voted that parents cannot play with their own children in local playgrounds because they haven't had a criminal background check.

October 29, 2009 - The Telegraph U.K.

Forbes Picks Safest Cities in U.S.

Forbes Magazine jumps into the fray once again with their list of "America's Safest Cities." Violent crime, workplace deaths, fatal crashes and natural disasters are all a part of the data considered.

October 28, 2009 - Forbes

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.