Social / Demographics
Urban Design for Sustainability
The way we build cities can have significant impacts on public health and equity.
The Resurgence of Drive-Throughs
Dining areas in many fast food restaurants are being replaced with added drive-thru lanes, another post-pandemic impact on our lives benefiting those with four wheels (or more).
Report: How Outdated Zoning Rules Still Shape Boston
Classist and racist zoning decisions from decades past reverberate in today’s neighborhoods.
How Zoning Reform can Help Seniors ‘Age in Place’
Without more middle housing options, the United States will be short on ‘aging-ready’ homes.
Report: NYC Transit Falling Behind on Accessibility
The city is lagging on meeting its pledge to improve accessibility across the system.
Using Data and Partnerships to Build Sports Facilities
Data and partnerships have supported the recent development and improvement of sports facilities in underserved communities in Los Angeles County.
How Extreme Heat Impacts Heart Health
A higher number of high heat days correlates with more cardiovascular deaths, according to new research.
Less Than Half of Head Start Centers Near Transit
Just 42 percent of the nation’s Head Start early education centers are within walkable distance for parents with toddlers.
How Urban Design Impacts Public Health
With more and more people living in cities, designing equitably healthy urban spaces becomes a key question for policymakers.
Austin Text Alert System Caters to Unhoused Residents
A new emergency text message alert system will provide information specific to the needs of homeless people during extreme weather events.
Study: How To Make Transit Safer
A new report recommends boosting ‘ambassador programs,’ improving reliability and frequency, and supporting more anti-harassment initiatives.
The Messy Politics of Saving Lives from Drug Overdoses
Philadelphia was on the verge of approving a key harm reduction strategy to prevent fatal drug overdoses until the city council all but banned supervised injection sites, overriding a mayoral veto. A New York Times report explores the controversy.
Turning a Gendered Lens on Transportation
People of different genders, ages, and abilities experience transportation differently. But policies aren’t designed that way.
Election 2024: California Voters to Decide on $6 Billion Homelessness Bond
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two ‘behavioral health’ bills that put Proposition 1 on the March 2024 ballot, targeting the housing, mental health, and substance use treatment needs of homeless residents living in encampments. Opposition has arisen.
Study: School Biking Programs Can Boost Student Health
A survey of middle school students who participated in in-school cycling programs showed a potential correlation to improved mental health.
Proposed Michigan Law Would Establish Homeless ‘Bill of Rights’
The law would ban discrimination based on housing status and ensure more access to social services for unhoused residents.
Study: Households With Children Face Highest Risk of Eviction
U.S. renter families with children are evicted at a rate twice as high as those without children.
Identifying Park Inequities Through Data Science
Researchers used a machine learning algorithm to analyze over 200 parks in Philadelphia, revealing insights about differences in access to quality parks.
New Book Analyzes America’s Poorest Communities
The similarities between the nation’s most disadvantaged areas, often rural, reveal the economic patterns that lead to chronic poverty.
Advancing Park Equity Through Needs Assessments
City Parks Alliance, in partnership with Prevention Institute, recently hosted a webinar about park equity and collaboration, focusing on the Los Angeles Countywide Parks Needs Assessment.
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
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
