Mary is an editor and writer who is passionate about urban planning and the direct impact it has on people's lives and how we experience the world around us. Prior to joining Planetizen as editorial manager in December 2023, she spent eight years as an editor for Planning magazine, the flagship publication of the American Planning Association.

Low-Traffic Neighborhoods Are Reclaiming London’s Streets From Cars
A controversial but effective policy is keeping residential streets quiet, getting more people walking and reducing pollution.

New Orleans Faces $1 Billion Shortfall for FEMA-Funded Roadwork
After years of delays, cost overruns, and deadline extensions on a FEMA-funded street repair program, New Orleans officials face a massive funding shortfall and accusations of mismanagement.

Witty Highway Safety Messages Fall Flat with US DOT
Feds are concerned that overly creative digital billboard messages could confuse drivers, but state transportation officials disagree.

Phoenix Seeks to Adopt AI for City and Regional Planning
An extension of the Phoenix metro region’s half-cent transportation sales tax by voters this November would give the city a green flag, and funding, to expand its use of AI as a planning tool.

NYC's Link5G Towers Face Neighborhood Opposition
More than 2,000 32-foot towers are coming to New York City street corners to improve 5G connectivity throughout the city, and residents aren’t happy, citing incompatible design and visual distraction as a threat to safety.