Social / Demographics

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.

Depopulation Projected in Thousands of US Cities
Many small and mid-sized cities could see a decline before 2100.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Southern States Lead US Population Growth
The South is the only region to see a net gain in residents between 2022 and 2023.

‘Reverse Migration’ Brings New Risk: Climate Change
Black Americans are flocking to southern states, but many popular destinations face growing threats from extreme weather.

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.

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.

Planetizen’s Top Posts of 2023
The most-read articles on Planetizen in 2023.

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.

Understanding Mortality Risks Among Unhoused People
How tracking housing status at time of death can help policymakers identify when people are most vulnerable.
Pagination
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
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City of Grandview
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NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service