Social / Demographics

Daily Show Looks at 'The Big Sort'

Author Bill Bishop discusses the "big sort" that's resulting in increasingly homogeneous voting patterns in the segment on Comedy Central's Daily Show.

July 31, 2008 - The Daily Show

Pay No Attention to the Neighborhood Behind the Curtain

In a last-minute effort to beautify the city before the start of the 2008 Summer Olympics, officials in Beijing have put up walls and screens to hide unsightly neighborhoods from the eyes of visitors. Those behind the walls are not happy.

July 31, 2008 - The New York Times

Should Store Owners Be Allowed to Repel Teenagers?

Stores in Vancouver suburbs have installed a device outside their stores called a 'Mosquito' that emits a high-pitched frequency that the average adult can't hear. The device is effective in decreasing vandalism, but at what cost to public space?

July 31, 2008 - The National Post

Homelessness Drops 30% from 2005 to 2007

The amount of people living in homeless shelters and on U.S. streets has dropped roughly 30% since 2005, according to recent statistics compiled by the federal government.

July 31, 2008 - The New York Times

New Study Links Obesity to Land Use Patterns

A new study by the University of Utah shows that people who live in walkable neighborhoods are more likely to be leaner than those who live in auto-oriented areas.

July 30, 2008 - The Salt Lake Tribune

New York's Suburban Bicyclists

Whether for exercise, eco-consciousness or necessity, a growing number of suburban New York commuters are using two wheels instead of four.

July 29, 2008 - The New York Times

Kids Afraid to Play in Public

A recent report by The Australian Commission of Children and Young People reveals that kids in Sydney are too afraid to play outside or ride the bus.

July 28, 2008 - The Daily Telegraph, Sydney

Home Economics

Philip Langdon comments on the the economy of oil and its effects on urban design in the July/August issue of New Urban News.

July 28, 2008 - New Urban News

Not As Poor As You Think

This segment from NPR looks at results from a new study that show many poor neighborhoods actually have the potential for vibrant economies.

July 27, 2008 - NPR

Moscow Tops List of World's Most Expensive Cities

Moscow tops an annual ranking of the world's most expensive cities. The survey examines housing, transportation, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment for corporations and government agencies determining living costs for expats.

July 25, 2008 - Forbes

Manhole Theft Plagues Philadelphia

The rising value of iron and steel has prompted thieves to steal an alarming amount of manhole covers from Philadelphia's streets.

July 24, 2008 - The New York Times

Fighting Isolation With Sleepovers

After a murder in his neighborhood, writer Peter Lovenheim decided that he needed to become closer to his neighbors. So he packed up his sleeping bag and invited himself over for a sleepover.

July 24, 2008 - The New York Times

Small Town Apocalyptic Values

Josh Stephens reviews James Howard Kunstler's novel of post-peak oil existence, World Made By Hand.

July 24, 2008 - Josh Stephens

'Suburban Refugees' Could Mean Trouble For Cities

The economic decline of the suburbs could flood cities like New York with "suburban economic refugees". This commentary from the New York Post warns that this is bad news for cities.

July 23, 2008 - New York Post

Black Flight or White Gentrification?

The Wall Street Journal reports that middle-class African-Americans are leaving America's major cities in droves, leaving remaining African-American cultural and religious institutions struggling to adjust to this new demographic reality.

July 22, 2008 - The Wall Street Journal

Debunking Connections Between Urbanism and Alienation

In response to a recent essay about an apparent relationship between urbanism and social alienation, Robert Steuteville argues that the study in question -- and its press -- twists the facts.

July 21, 2008 - Robert Steuteville

1/3 Fewer Auto Deaths, Thanks to Rising Gas Prices

Escalating gas prices are depressing, but look on the bright side: a new study shows that they may reduce annual traffic deaths by as much as one-third.

July 19, 2008 - Associated Press via Yahoo News

A Whiter Atlanta

The population of white people in Atlanta is growing larger by the day, a demographic shift many say is bringing about major changes in the city. This article from Governing says other cities are seeing similar trends.

July 19, 2008 - Governing

Living in the Wrong Neighborhood Can Harm Your Health

A new study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health shows that living in poor and violent neighborhoods can significantly increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.

July 18, 2008 - The Baltimore Sun

'Shocking' Levels of Disparity Highlighted in U.S. Human Development Report

The American Human Development Project has determined that the U.S. demonstrates huge disparities in life expectancy and other well-being indicators, based on geography, race, sex and class.

July 18, 2008 - The Independent (UK)

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.