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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
