United States

Busy subway station with people walking on platform and train stopped.

Freedom to Move: Investing in Transportation Choices for a Clean, Prosperous, and Just Future

This Union of Concerned Scientists study examines why and how to improve resource-efficient travel options to achieve diverse goals. It estimates that more efficient transport could save up to $201 billion in energy and $128 billion in health costs.

December 9, 2024 - Freedom to Move: Investing in Transportation Choices for a Clean, Prosperous, and Just Future

Aerial view of small town of Sparta, Wisconsin.

Opinion: Federal Government Must Continue Supporting Rural Housing Program

The incoming Congress will have a say in bolstering — or harming — the only federal housing program focused on affordable housing in rural areas.

December 8, 2024 - The Daily Yonder

Large store in mall with yellow and black STORE CLOSING sign on front.

Shifts in Shopping: Transforming Malls Into Parks

Maybe zombie malls still have a second life — one with a little greenery.

December 8, 2024 - Ruscena Wiederholt

View of snowy buildings and mountains in background in Denver, Colorado.

Federal Resilience Program a Lifeline for Affordable Housing Providers

The little-known Green and Resilient Retrofit Program funds upgrades and repairs that improve efficiency and comfort in existing housing stock.

December 6, 2024 - Next City

Vintage multi-story brick apartment building and modern concrete and glass apartment building separated by a steep public stairway in Los Angeles, California.

Analysis: Localized Upzoning Less Effective

Changing zoning rules for a small number of parcels can increase land values and housing costs without boosting the housing supply.

December 5, 2024 - Governing

Acela Amtrak train in station in New Haven, Connecticut.

Amtrak Breaks Ridership Record in FY 2024

More Americans than ever rode the rails last year, also bringing the agency its highest ticket revenue.

December 5, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Group of children with backpacks walking toward colorful modern school building.

Expanding the Mission: Community Groups Serving Schools

Some community development organizations have added education to their traditional focus on housing and economic development, looking for ways to support families and children by partnering with local school districts. How is it working?

December 5, 2024 - Shelterforce Magazine

Adult man talking to young woman across wooden garden fence with young girl standing next to him.

For Some, Co-Housing Offers Social and Economic Benefits

Residents of co-living developments say the built-in community helps ease the growing isolation felt by many Americans.

December 4, 2024 - NPR

Empty street and high-rise buildings in downtown Chicago, Illinois during COvid-19 pandemic.

Major US Cities Still Suffering Downtown Decline

Research shows that the “donut effect” hollowing out central business districts since the pandemic continues to cause economic decline in the 12 largest American cities.

December 3, 2024 - Stanford University News

Vacant pedestrian overpass and skyscrapers in downtown financial district at night.

Office Conversion Sees No Sign of Slowing

The adaptive reuse of office buildings for residential and other uses will grow by as much as 63 percent in 2024 over last year.

December 3, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Close-up of laptop with real estate listings shown on map.

Cities and States Taking Action to Limit Rent-Setting AI

Federal prosecutors are charging a software company with using algorithms to artificially inflate rents.

December 2, 2024 - CALmatters

Tesla factory in Fremont, California with dry hills in background.

Tesla Is California’s Second-Biggest Air Polluter

A Wall Street Journal investigation found multiple and repeated violations of California’s air quality rules.

November 28, 2024 - Jalopnik

Orange and white steam pipes in New York City releasing white steam against background of red brick buildings.

“Steam Loops” Can Power Large Buildings With Clean Energy

Underground steam pipe systems in New York, Boston, and other cities could hold the key to renewable power generation.

November 28, 2024 - Bloomberg CityLab

Row of concrete two-story homes with blue tile roofs under construction.

Opinion: “New Towns” Are the Answer to Affordable Housing Challenges

How thoughtful design can create more walkable, livable communities.

November 28, 2024 - Justin Hollander

Woman and two children riding bikes across a striped crosswalk.

Greenways Plus Highways: A Deadly Combination

The design of intersections between major roadways and bike and pedestrian paths can have fatal consequences.

November 27, 2024 - Strong Towns

Gas Works Park with old, rusty coal gasification equipment in Seattle, Washington.

Revitalizing Cities Through Soil Health, Green Spaces, and Nature-Based Remediation

Investing in soil health, urban parks, and nature-based solutions for brownfield remediation is essential for creating resilient cities, restoring ecosystems, and improving community well-being.

November 26, 2024 - Center for Creative Land Recycling

Rendering of modern black and brown one-story backyard home design

The ADU Movement Grows Around the Country

More states and cities are promoting backyard cottages, converted garages, and other add-on units. Are they making an impact?

November 26, 2024 - Yahoo News

Apartment buildings surrounded by freeways in Laguna Niguel, California.

Balancing TOD and Public Health

Building housing near transportation networks can improve density and walkability, but can also have serious health consequences for residents.

November 26, 2024 - Next City

Row of blue electric buses parked and plugged in at charging station.

USDOT Launches Climate Adaptation Plan

The plan outlines the department’s key priorities in building resilient infrastructure and ensuring environmental justice in historically disinvested communities.

November 25, 2024 - Global Railway Review

Urban separated bike lane with street trees on one side and cars parked on the other

How “Proven Safety Countermeasures” Save Lives

A bill named in honor of a U.S. diplomat killed while on her bicycle would let state DOTs access full federal funding for road safety projects.

November 22, 2024 - Streetsblog USA

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.