Social / Demographics

A red and white tent on the sidewalk with other belongings of an unhoused resident in Miami, Florida.

Supreme Court to Reconsider Martin v. Boise

The justices agreed to hear an appeal from the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, of a 2022 U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that has the potential to loosen restrictions on how nine Western states deal with tent encampments on public property.

January 15, 2024 - San Francisco Chronicle

Aerial view of derelict brick buildings in post-industrial Gary, Indiana.

Depopulation Projected in Thousands of US Cities

Many small and mid-sized cities could see a decline before 2100.

January 15, 2024 - Scientific American

Graphic with headshot of Danielle Arigoni standing against concrete wall with title for THe Planning Commission Podcast episode "Climate Resilience and an Aging Population."

Climate Resilience for an Aging Nation with Danielle Arigoni: The Planning Commission Podcast

Author and livability expert Danielle Arigoni talks about her new book with the Planning Commission Podcast.

January 8, 2024 - The Planning Commission Podcast

Older Black woman with glasses and braids sitting on city bus, looking out window.

Book Excerpt: Climate Resilience for an Aging Nation

The challenge of adapting our communities to climate change is complex and urgent – but taking the time to recenter our collective efforts in the needs of older adults will be effective in reducing their risk and making all of us more resilient.

January 4, 2024 - Danielle Arigoni

View of Rainbow Bridge over Lake Natoma in Folsom, California.

Proposed Senior Community Wants to Use Tech to Keep Aging Residents Healthy

A proposal from a California investor and the University of California, Davis envisions a seniors-oriented community complete with healthcare facilities and other ways to support older residents.

January 3, 2024 - KCRA

Aerial view of three men using track chair mobility devices on lake beach in Michigan state park.

Michigan State Parks Make Headway on Accessibility

Among other efforts, the state parks system leads the nation in the number of track chairs, a mobility device designed to help people with mobility issues enjoy park trails and beaches.

January 2, 2024 - The Manchester Mirror

Photo of Mitchell Silver with text for Planning Commission Podcast on the left.

Mitchell Silver, FAIP, Kicks Off Season 3 of the Planning Commission Podcast

Former APA President and NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver reflects on a career spent planning for people.

December 28, 2023 - The Planning Commission Podcast

Blurred close-up of movers in blue coveralls unloading cardboard boxes from moving van.

Population Losers

California's population dipped below 39 million as of July, according to the Census Bureau, after seeing its net domestic migration loss this year exceed last year's. Only New York has seen a greater loss as a percentage of population.

December 28, 2023 - San Francisco Chronicle

Senior couple sitting on sofa looking at laptop computer held in the man's lap.

Report Highlights Housing Insecurity Among Seniors

Older Americans face rising mortgage debt, high costs for medical care and assistance, and a dearth of accessible housing.

December 27, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

View of Seattle skyline on clear sunny day with Space Needle on left and Mount Rainier in the background.

Seattle to Host 2024 Urban Parks Conference

In June 2024, City Parks Alliance, in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation, will hold the Greater & Greener conference, which will include a mix of indoor sessions and outdoor experiences focusing on urban parks.

December 27, 2023 - City Parks Alliance

Concrete basketball court with clear glass backboard and palm trees in background in Los Angeles, California.

LA Clippers Support Basketball Court Program

The Los Angeles Clippers Foundation (LACF) is working with the L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation to upgrade indoor and outdoor basketball courts across the county.

December 27, 2023 - Los Angeles Sentinel

Aerial view of Tulsa, Oklahoma at twilight.

Serving Communities Through Mobile Recreation

Tulsa Parks has launched a new program called “Rec ‘N’ Roll” to provide recreational opportunities to more kids in underserved areas.

December 27, 2023 - Fox 23 News

Man using cane for visual impairment waiting to board subway train on platform.

How Car Dependency Impacts People With Disabilities

People who are physically unable to drive can benefit from effective public transit systems and accessible, mixed-use neighborhoods.

December 21, 2023 - Salon

Aerial view of neighborhoods in Katy, Texas.

Southern States Lead US Population Growth

The South is the only region to see a net gain in residents between 2022 and 2023.

December 21, 2023 - Stateline

Flooded street with two-story homes and palm trees being blown in the wind during a hurricane in Miami, Florida.

‘Reverse Migration’ Brings New Risk: Climate Change

Black Americans are flocking to southern states, but many popular destinations face growing threats from extreme weather.

December 19, 2023 - Inside Climate News

Google street view of vacant lot in South Los Angeles in 2022.

Creating a New Park Where It is Most Needed

Los Angeles County just celebrated the grand opening of its newest park. Located in the community of Walnut Park, Nogales Park offers a gathering space and recreational amenities long desired by residents.

December 18, 2023 - UNE News Express

Low angel shot of three people with four dogs in enclosed grassy dog park.

Fighting the ‘Loneliness Epidemic’ in Cities

While urban design alone can’t mend the tears in our social fabric, planning decisions and thoughtful, inclusive design can offer or hinder opportunities for interaction.

December 17, 2023 - Bloomberg CityLab

Close-up of hand scrolling through text website on tablet lying on table.

Planetizen’s Top Posts of 2023

The most-read articles on Planetizen in 2023.

December 14, 2023 - Diana Ionescu

Millbrae, California

Article 34 in Action: Bay Area Suburb Uses 1950 Initiative to Block Homeless Housing

Next year, California voters will determine whether to repeal a 1950 initiative that requires local voter buy-in for government-supported low income housing, but that hasn't deterred Millbrae from using it to sue San Mateo County.

December 13, 2023 - The Mercury News

Close-up of title of death certificate for state of California.

Understanding Mortality Risks Among Unhoused People

How tracking housing status at time of death can help policymakers identify when people are most vulnerable.

December 11, 2023 - Maine Morning Star

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.