Social / Demographics

'Bamboo Trains' -- Cambodia's Ride Of Choice

Cambodians frustrated with shoddy trains and inconsistent service have taken transportation into their own hands, constructing and operating trains made primarily out of bamboo. The trains run at nearly 25 mph and are largely meeting transit needs.

July 7, 2006 - BBC

One Of The Last Company Towns In America Is For Sale

Residents of Scotia, CA, hope that their community can retain its unique after the sale.

July 7, 2006 - The New York Times

The Growing Demand For Gay Retirement Communities

Gay and lesbian seniors are increasingly seeking retirement communities that fit their lifestyle.

July 6, 2006 - USA Today

Brain Drain: Singapore Drawing Researchers From U.S.

Lured by billions of dollars in government investment, brand new research equipment and facilities, and the opportunity to conduct research unfettered by social politics, biotech researchers are increasingly setting up shop in Singapore.

July 5, 2006 - Austin American-Statesman

Death Of An Urban Farm

When authorities closed down the South Central garden in Los Angeles, the community lost more than an urban farm writes columnist Al Martinez.

July 4, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Thousands Are Displaced As Indian Slum Is Bulldozed

The Indian government has demolished a housing slum in Mumbai, displacing thousands. Though the government has promised replacement homes for many of the slum's documented citizens, thousands without documentation are now also without homes.

July 4, 2006 - BBC

How Women React To Molestation On Public Transit

Writer and professor Deborah Tannen compares the experiences of American women who were molested on public transit with those of Greek women who are markedly less tolerant of such behavior.

July 4, 2006 - The New York Times

Driving With Mr. Zhu

One American journalist rides along with members of China's new car owning class as they discover the thrill of the open road.

July 4, 2006 - The New York Times Magazine

World Cup 2006 Extravaganza

July 3, 2006 - Michael Jelks

The Paradox Of Gardens During War

A review of Kenneth Helphand's new book "Defiant Gardens: Making Gardens in Wartime".

July 3, 2006 - The Capital Times

Richard Florida Maps New Megalopolis(es)

Calling an entire country a major economic force just isn't accurate. At least, that's what Richard Florida contends. His article discusses the regional, not national, nature of areas that are making global impacts.

July 1, 2006 - Newsweek via MSNBC

'Lofty' Visions For Historic Urban Center

The historic downtown of Santa Ana, CA, is being transformed with lofts, concerts, and an experimental music festival featuring a "carchestra".

June 30, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Preserving The 'Real' Pittsburgh

Grace Dobush urges the city of Pittsburgh to preserve its old-world charm.

June 29, 2006 - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Smart Growth Key To British Columbians' Health Advantage

BC has about half the obesity rate of the Northwest states, a one-third lower car-crash fatality rate, and its residents live an average of two years longer. Why?

June 28, 2006 - The Vancouver Sun

California Dreaming: Why The Golden State Still Lures Newcomers

Even with high real estate prices, traffic congestion, wildfires, and the possibility of a major earthquake, people from around the world and across the nation, continue to relocate to California. Why?

June 27, 2006 - Abhijeet Chavan

'Incubators For the American Dream' Are Shrinking

Across the nation, middle class neighborhoods are shrinking as cities and suburbs become increasingly segregated by income.

June 27, 2006 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

No Housing Bubble In Canton, Ohio

Victorian houses are for sale for $6,000 in Canton. Local real estate investors flip, rent, or renovate in "the city the boom passed by".

June 27, 2006 - The New York Times

The Nexus Between The Built Environment And Public Health

Los Angeles' new Planning Director Gail Goldberg, and California Endowment head Dr. Robert Ross discuss how to build healthy communities through smart planning.

June 26, 2006 - The Planning Report

The Resurgence Of Maine's Grittiest City

The twin cities of Lewiston and Auburn have long been known as Maine's worst urban area. Today, it is using art, history, diversity, and culture to carve out its niche as one of the state's funkiest and most historical urban areas.

June 26, 2006 - The Boston Globe

Understanding Gentrification In San Francisco

Randy Shaw counters the San Francisco Chronicle's analysis of gentrification in San Francisco.

June 26, 2006 - BeyondChron

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.