Social / Demographics

Cal-i-for-nia, Here We...Leave?

For the first time since 1994, more residents left California than arrived -- and this time the outflow includes even Hispanics. High housing costs are blamed for the shift in migration.

December 13, 2006 - Associated Press via San Francisco Chronicle

Taking Back Farmland In Brazil

As poverty increases in Brazil and small farmers are pushed off of their lands into the overcrowded city's and ghettos, some groups are doing whatever it takes to re-distribute farmland to the poor.

December 12, 2006 - Adbusters

Does Sprawl Cause Obesity? Maybe Not

A new study released by a University of Toronto researcher suggests that sprawl is not necessarily the cause of the obesity widely reported to exist in sprawling areas, but rather obese people may simply be attracted to sprawl.

December 12, 2006 - The Chicago Tribune

The American Mall: Now The Public Space Of Choice?

The new form of the shopping mall -- lifestyle centers -- are fulfilling the original destiny of the American mall by "re-creating the essence of urban life", writes Virginia Postrel in a Los Angeles Times opinion.

December 11, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

News Summary and Analysis - November 2006

As part of a monthly series, we present a summary and analysis of some of the most interesting news to appear on Planetizen over the month of November 2006. This is the transcript of an audio segment that originally aired on the nationally syndicated radio program "Smart City".

December 11, 2006 - Nate Berg

Residents Team Up To Prevent Unwanted Zoning Change

A block of neighborhood-minded Baltimore residents has pressured the city's zoning board to reject a plan to create a community service center nearby that offers job training and AIDS counseling, despite the area's need for economic investment.

December 10, 2006 - The Baltimore Sun

Los Angeles Gets Split By Census Bureau

In a victory for local leaders, the San Fernando Valley breaks away from Los Angeles County, at least according to the U.S. Census.

December 9, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Study Reveals Growth In Suburban Poverty

As suburbs have increased in population, so too have their rates of poverty, according to a new Brookings Institution Report. Suburban poor now outnumber their inner-city counterparts for the first time.

December 8, 2006 - The Mercury News

How Planners Are Creating Clumsy Kids

A recent study on childhood development in compact cities calls on planners to consider the needs of children when making plans to avoid not giving children enough places to play. Children's motor skills are negatively affected, making them clumsy.

December 7, 2006 - The Sydney Morning Herald

Public Space vs. Political and Ideological Space

A comment on how public spaces are often overrun with political and ideological actions, reducing the equity of the daily user leading to confrontations and chaos in India.

December 6, 2006 - NDTV.com

Infrastructure Projects Can Save America's Middle Class

Joel Kotkin and David Friedman believe investing in massive infrastructure projects can save the nation's middle and working classes.

December 4, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

HUD Housing Discount Extended To First Responders

A program that allows police officers and teachers to buy foreclosed homes in designated neighborhoods at half of their appraised value has been extended to include firefighters and emergency medical technicians.

December 2, 2006 - The Chicago Tribune

Photo Tour Of A Venezuelan Barrio

This photo slide show gives a detailed look at one of Venezuela's most populated barrios. With more than 120,000 people in 237 acres, the barrio is in control of its infrastructure construction, as well as its transportation planning.

November 30, 2006 - BBC

CBD Rebound In Johannesburg

Inner-city regeneration in the central business district of Johannesburg, South Africa, have turned the area around from being an abandoned and dangerous neighborhood into one flourishing with active businesses and residents.

November 30, 2006 - Business Day

The Changing Shape of the City

Profound demographic, economic, and cultural forces are reshaping the nation, and have major significance for urbanization in America, says Robert Puentes, a fellow at the Brookings Institution.

November 29, 2006 - The Brookings Institution

Cities Trying To Woo "The Young And The Restless"

Cities are competing for a mobile but vital part of the workforce: the 25- to 34-year olds.

November 28, 2006 - The New York Times

Lifestyles Of The Rich And Poor In Mexico City

As the ranks of Mexico's rich swell, the haves and the have-nots in Mexico City are living increasingly separate lives. Walled cities are being built to separate the upper and lower classes in Mexico's capital, while bullet-proof evening wear is selling briskly.

November 28, 2006 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Vancouver: No Shangri-La After All?

A new report suggests that Vancouver, widely regarded as the world's "most livable" city, is facing a growing population of working poor, inaccessibly expensive housing, and increasing social inequities among minority groups.

November 28, 2006 - The Tyee

Redrawing The Map Of America

Joel Kotkin makes the case for the coming decline of dense, coastal metropolises and the rise of second- and third-tier suburban cities of the Sunbelt.

November 27, 2006 - The American

Saving Gay Neighborhoods From Their Own Success

Once a force of gentrification themselves, gays and lesbians are increasingly being displaced from once queer urban enclaves that have become popular and upscale.

November 27, 2006 - Bay Area Reporter

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.