The history of planning is dominated by a few iconic figures—all white.

Pete Saunders writes to counter the tradition of planning history that favors the contributions of famous white urbanists (Jane Jacobs and Daniel Burnham are mentioned by name).
Building on the work of Daphne Lundi in "Rewriting the Urban Planning Cannon," Saunders recognizes 11 of historical figures and contemporary pioneers as leading Black urbanists. "Some of their work may not fall within the conventional realm of urbanism as it's understood today, but they should be known and celebrated by all in the planning profession," writes Saunders.
Listing the following 11 Black urbanists in chronological order, the original article includes a lot more details about the ideas and accomplishments of most of the following: W.E.B. Du Bois, Horace Clayton Jr., St. Clair Drake, Gordon Parks, John Hope Franklin, Samuel L. Cullers, Dorothy Mae Richardson, Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts, William Julius Wilson, Geoffrey Canada, and Mary Pattillo.
The work of reversing centuries and decades of erasing the contributions of Black Americans to the planning and designing of cities continues to this day, with efforts to reverse the disparate representation of those employed in the field of planning. An article by Lindiwe Rennert, published in December 2020, makes the case for hiring more Black Women planners: "Despite being one of the most civically active demographic groups, representing a disproportionately high proportion of the nation’s urban population (17% compared to their 7% share of the total national population), and being heralded as the ‘pillars’ of their communities, in 2019 black women comprised just 3% of employees in the field of urban planning."
FULL STORY: 11 Black Urbanists Every Planner Should Know

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
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North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.

Houston Mayor Promises Dedicated Austin Street Bike Lane After Public Backlash
Although the one-way bike lane won’t be protected by physical barriers, the proposal is an improvement over the mayor’s initial plan to only include sharrows on the Austin Street project.
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