Social / Demographics
The Presidency and America's Addiciton to Prisons and Drugs
Neal Pierce looks at America's addiction to incarceration and drug prohibition and wonders what -- if anything -- the presidential candidates would do to change the country's course.
Katrina's Homeless Still Searching for Housing
Housing -- or the lack of it -- remains a major issue in post-Katrina New Orleans.
Is There a Future in Politics for Urban-Minded Bloggers?
The "creative class" is using the Internet and the blog world to drum up new ideas for combating sprawl and placelessness. This article argues it's only a matter of time before these urban thinkers go from blogging to local politics.
Vancouver to House Homeless For Olympics Preparation
In an effort to clean up the poverty ridden area set to host the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, officials have announced plans to place homeless people into housing next summer.
The Unseen City Icons
This piece from Discover looks at the iconic "invisible" things that define cities -- like Seattle's clouds, Houston's air conditioning, and L.A.'s Botox.
Best Cities for Singles
Forbes keeps churning out the Top 10 Cities lists- this time looking at the best cities for single people.
What Cities Have the Best Brands?
A new study ranks European cities on their brand, taking into a account sense of place, civic pride, and business climate. Paris ranks first (no surprise), but the research also reveals a handful of 'undervalued' cities.
U.K. Planners Failing to Account for Women
A new study shows that city planners aren't following the guidelines established in last year's Gender Equality Duty, which requires planners to consider the different ways that women use public space.
Community Calls for Involvement as Swaths of New York Land are Rezoned
One-sixth of the total land in New York has been rezoned under Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and some say it's fueling widespread gentrification. Community members affected by the changes are calling for more say in the future of their neighborhoods.
Graffiti Temporarily Allowed in Prague
In Prague, where graffiti is rampant, an art gallery has secured outdoor wallspace throughout the city and invited graffiti artists to use it as a canvas for 12 days.
The Smartest Cities
A recent study has named the "smartest" cities in Canada.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Three Years On
Jason Miller reports how coastal Mississippi cities and towns are moving post-Katrina plans and ideas towards implementation.
Room for Public Art in Louisville?
In 2006, the city of Louisville set up a wall where graffiti artists were allowed to paint. But when the art started offending neighbors and officials, the wall was shut down. This article wonders if there's room for more public art in Louisville.
Figures Say Things Look Good, But Don't Account For Slumping Economy
New census figures have been released, showing a rise in median household income and more people with health insurance. But experts warn that the figures do not account for the recent slump in the economy.
A Look at Housing in South Africa
Posh gated communities are juxtaposed with shanty towns in South Africa, where a constitutional housing guarantee is seen by many as a far-off dream.
Urban Farms Flourish in Oakland
In industrial West Oakland, backyard farming is flourishing, with more than 80 farms sprouting up with organic produce and a local bent.
Shifting Back to the City
The suburbs draw on Americans may be dwindling, according to this column from Neal Peirce. But, he argues, this shift doesn't mean the end of suburban living.
Vancouver May Be Livable, But It's Not Happy
This article from Vancouver Magazine looks at a recent study naming the livable and oft-envied city home to some of the least happy Canadians and asks why a great city has unhappy people.
States Need to Focus to Tackle Poverty
In an effort to tackle poverty, 15 states have set up commissions to explore the issues. Neal Peirce says they need to focus foremost on getting more money into the hands of the impoverished and reducing the burden of taxes on them.
To Succeed, BRTs Need 'AYFs'
"Attractive young females" may be the bellwether of success on new public transit systems, according to a transit consultant who was in the Twin Cities to advise about a planned bus rapid transit line.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
