Social / Demographics

The Low Cost Housing Trade-Off: High Commuting Costs

More and more families across the country are spending more on transportation than housing. Many says its worth the time and money to be able to own a home.

November 26, 2006 - The Birmingham News

Suburbs Not Socially Alienating?

Suburban areas have long been characterized as being socially isolating -- keeping many residents indoors and insulated from socializing or even knowing their closest neighbors. But a new study argues that cities are actually more socially isolating.

November 25, 2006 - Canada.com

Memphis Weighs Annexation of 37,000

A final Memphis City Council approval this week may annex more than 37,000 residents into the city, as well as several million dollars a year in property taxes, and seven schools from the annexation areas.

November 23, 2006 - The Memphis Flyer

In Crime-Ravaged Memphis, Business At Gun Shops Is Good

Crime-weary residents of all ages, races and sexes are increasingly choosing to protect themselves by purchasing guns and learning to shoot them. Happiest about the trend are the owners of the city's gun shops.

November 20, 2006 - Memphis Commercial-Appeal

What's A Guy Gotta Do To Run A Strip Club In This City?

As industrial areas convert to condos and a new baseball stadium eats up a large chunk of their former stomping grounds, it's getting harder and harder for strip clubs to find a place to operate in Washington D.C.

November 20, 2006 - Washington City Paper

Globalizing Agriculture Drops Pops Worldwide

As certain agricultural markets are globalizing, many small farming communities from South Dakota to Mississippi to Australia are facing a strong decline in population that shows little sign of rebounding.

November 17, 2006 - The Australian

Altering Land Use For Healthier Food Access

This article from Smart Growth Online looks at the increasing concentration of fast food restaurants in many cities and the resulting impact on public health, and also offers some advice to communities for using land use strategies to limit the i

November 16, 2006 - Smart Growth Online

Should Red-Light Districts Be Saved?

In Baltimore, gentrification seems to be taking its toll on the red-light district known as "the Block."

November 16, 2006 - The Next American City

Paris Wants To Woo The 'Creative Class'

Once a magnet for writers, painters and other artistic types, Paris' Mayor wants the city to attract the laptop toting young bohemians that represent the new 'creative class'.

November 15, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Homeowners Invest In 'Granny' Additions

As more and more Boomers begin to retire, builders are noticing increasing demand for home renovations and additions that will allow seniors to "age in place".

November 14, 2006 - CNNMoney.com

Geneva's 9-Point Plan To Stay The Global Governance Capital

A group of urban experts has released a plan to keep Geneva at the forefront of international affairs and governance. Included in the plan is a call to ensure the city's compatibility with technology and information media.

November 14, 2006 - SwissInfo

Urban Improvement Through Child's Play

This article from Metropolis Magazine looks at a new trend that is revisioning the playground by expanding its scope and encouraging kids to get out of the backyard.

November 11, 2006 - Metropolis Magazine

News Summary and Analysis - October 2006

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

November 6, 2006 - Nate Berg

Novelist Shares His Thoughts On City Planning

In this interview, Author Steven Johnson discusses his lates book about London's Cholera outbreak, urban planning, and his fascination with the popular computer game, SimCity.

November 4, 2006 - Salon

It's Time To Celebrate World Town Planning Day

Ontario, Canada's Region of Peel has announced plans to celebrate World Town Planning Day on November 8.

November 3, 2006 - The Brampton Guardian

Urban Marathons Adding To Economic Growth

Across the country, an increasing number of marathon runners are adding to the economic growth of small, mid-size, and large cities.

November 3, 2006 - The Boston Globe

A Call For Child-Friendly Cities

An urban planning professor in Australia has joined a push to make the country's major cities more child-friendly.

November 3, 2006 - The Daily Telegraph

Is Suburbia Just A Scapegoat For Obesity?

A new study challenges the growing body of research linking suburban living to obesity -- citing that people's eating and exercise habits more likely dictate where they live, not vice versa.

November 2, 2006 - Ottawa Citizen via Canada.com

Ireland Looks To Recruit American Workers

Faced with low unemployment rates and worker shortages in certain high-skill sectors, Irish companies are increasingly looking to other countries - especially the U.S. - for employees.

November 2, 2006 - The Wall Street Journal

Growing Pains For Davie, Florida

With 90,000 residents and growing, Davie, Florida is struggling to move beyond its rural roots.

November 1, 2006 - The Miami Herald

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.