Social / Demographics
More Cities Face Naturally Decreasing Population
More people die than are born in Pittsburgh every year -- seriously impacting the city's schools, laborforce and healthcare infrastructure. Other American cities will soon follow, say demographers.
Saving and Improving Slums
This article from the Harvard Design Magazine looks at slums in Latin America and discusses the important role they play in their cities. Preserving the positive qualities of these communities is increasingly preferred over slum clearance.
Should Apartment Buildings Be Made Smoke-Free?
A recent survey shows that while many renters support the idea of smoke-free apartment buildings, an equal number are concerned about infringing on the rights of tenants -- even if they don't smoke.
Cleveland Greening the Rust Belt
This article from Grist looks at the environmental efforts being taken in Cleveland, a historically polluted and struggling Rust Belt city.
Belgian Town Seeks Immigration Control Through Language Requirement
Flemish nationalists in small-town Belgium are hoping to keep immigrants out by requiring that all schoolchildren speak Flemish -- an attack on the droves of French-speaking immigrants that have descended on the country.
Fears Over Immigrants Stymie Accessory Unit Ordinance
Planners in Arlington, Virginia want to allow rental units in single family neighborhoods, but residents are strongly opposed to the proposal, many of them worried that the units will attract low-income immigrants.
Homeowner Associations Feel Impact Of Foreclosure Crisis
With high foreclosure rates and growing numbers of residents delinquent with their dues, many homeowners associations are having a hard time paying for repairs and amenities.
Has Seattle Become Too Expensive For Its Own Good?
Celebrated for its livability and character, the city is increasingly unaffordable to the very people who gave Seattle its funky vibe.
Housing Debacle Threatens Renters
A new report examines the impacts of the mortgage meltdown on rental housing.
Is 'Sex And The City' To Blame For New York's Gentrification?
With its portrait of glamorous living in Manhattan, some New Yorkers can't help but blame the television series for fueling the city's gentrification. Even the show's star, Sarah Jessica Parker, laments Manhattan's loss of 'grit'.
The Catch-22 Of Gas Prices
If driving less makes prices fall -- will Americans respond by driving more?
Staff Shortages Threaten System As Planners Age
A recent survey of the planning profession in the United Kingdom has found that there likely won't be enough young planners to replaces the aging planners approaching retirement.
Will Planners Save the Country's Overlooked Masses?
From unemployment to rising rents to widespread foreclosures, many major problems face Americans. In his latest column, Neal Peirce argues that planners are the ones who can formulate a broad solution.
Debating L.A.'s Growth, Traffic and Transit
The Transit Coalition's Bart Reed and USC planning Professor Peter Gordon debate transit and traffic in L.A. in this five-part point-counterpoint series.
More Fast Food Makes Fatter Neighborhoods
High rates of obesity and diabetes are being correlated to high concentrations of fast food restaurants in neighborhoods. Some look to zoning as a solution.
Rental Market Heating Up Due To Foreclosures
Americans who've lost their homes to foreclosure are now looking to rent, tightening up already low vacancy rates and driving up prices. Meanwhile, foreclosed homes sit empty.
City Explores Ways To Provide Access To Healthy Food
Seattle's new local food initiative will try to help provide access to health, fresh food in neighborhoods that are a long walk or bus ride from a supermarket.
Earth To Houston: Wake Up And Smell The Greenhouse Gas Emissions
While the American Dream Coalition celebrates the 'freedom and affordability' of Houston -- Robert Steuteville wonders why the group ignores the environmental and financial consequences of such an auto-dependent city.
Can The Earth Provide Enough Food For 9 Billion People?
That's how many are expected to inhabit the world by 2050. Experts worry over looming food shortages.
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
