Social / Demographics

A historic color-coded HOLC map of Milwalkee with sections in red, yellow, and blue.

Putting the Myth of the Redlining Maps to Rest

Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) maps have long been blamed for racial inequities in today’s Black neighborhoods, but recent research shows that’s misleading.

August 21, 2024 - Alan Mallach

Group of five people standing in a wetland park smiling at the camera during a cleanup event.

Building a Greener Future: Youth Leadership in Climate Action

The L.A. County Youth Climate Commission empowers young voices to influence sustainable policies, prioritizing environmental justice and addressing top issues like cleaner air, green spaces, and green buildings.

August 20, 2024 - National Recreation and Park Association Open Space Blog

Back view of group of six children and one adult walking down school hallway.

The Role of Schools in Fostering Vibrant and Inclusive Communities

Discover how schools play a crucial role in community development by fostering inclusivity, enhancing local engagement, and serving as hubs for social and cultural activities.

August 20, 2024 - Devin Partida

Aerial view of smoke from fires in Lahaina area of Maui, Hawaii.

University of Hawaiʻi Researchers Assess Impacts of Maui Fires and Support Recovery

One year after the devastating Maui wildfires, UH researchers are addressing the disaster's impacts through studies on health, environmental contamination, disaster preparedness, and housing, aiming to support recovery and improve resilience.

August 19, 2024 - University of Hawai'i News

Green oil well behind a fence next to a small street in California.

California Could Extend Oil Well Monitoring Deadlines

Legislators are considering extending the deadline for new oil well safety regulations by up to 54 months, sparking controversy over whether the delay benefits the oil industry at the expense of public health.

August 19, 2024 - CALmatters

Group of children looking down at map.

Building Healthier Communities: The Role of GIS in Park Planning

Integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into park planning enhances community health by promoting physical activity, supporting mental well-being, fostering social connectedness, and addressing public health crises and climate change.

August 19, 2024 - Esri Blog

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument site.

Site of Race Riot in Springfield, Illinois, Designated as National Monument

President Biden has designated the site of the 1908 Springfield race riot as a national monument, honoring its historical significance.

August 19, 2024 - National Public Radio

Nighttime view of blue and red lights on top of a white police car.

DOJ Issues Warning to Local Governments with 'Crime-Free' Housing Programs

The Justice Department has put local governments with “crime-free” and “nuisance” housing programs on notice that implementation may be unlawful when it unfairly penalizes classes of people protected under federal law.

August 16, 2024 - Oklahoma's News 4

Aerial view of downtown Stockton, California with brick church in foreground.

Will This Resident Group Get Full Control of the Complex They Helped Fix?

A group of Cambodian immigrants took partial control of an affordable housing property in the 90s, and since then, they’ve made big changes to the complex. But they haven’t been able to get full legal control of the property for decades. Why?

August 15, 2024 - Shelterforce Magazine

Blurry view of semi-crowded subway car

Do Americans Want Women-Only Subway Cars?

Results from a YouGov survey indicate there is interest in subway and train cars being designated as women only, especially among female riders, younger riders, and people who have had negative interactions on public transportation.

August 15, 2024 - YouGov

Tent City Bay Area

The Fight Continues Against Criminalization of Homelessness

Though disappointed in the Supreme Court’s ruling allowing sleeping bans, homeless advocates are energized and organizing around other solutions.

August 13, 2024 - Shelterforce Magazine

Asphalt road on coast with collapsed segments from erosion.

We Must Relocate to Prepare for Climate Change, and We Must Do it Now

As flooding, sea level rise, fires, and other climate impacts increase, we’ll need to move about 20 million Americans by 2100. Here’s how we can rethink managed retreat to get ahead of the rising tides.

August 8, 2024 - Shelterforce Magazine

Older woman walking on city street holding white lace sun parasol.

Protecting Vulnerable Older Adults From Extreme Heat

People over 65 are at particular risk during heat waves and other climate disasters.

August 6, 2024 - Danielle Arigoni

Colorful three-story multifamily housing.

Affordable Housers Face Deepening Rental Arrears and Ballooning Expenses

Four years after the pandemic first wrought havoc on the American economy, nonprofit housers are being overwhelmed by rental arrears. Can they balance their social mission against their operational realities?

August 6, 2024 - Shelterforce Magazine

View looking up at Zilker Studios apartment building in Austin, Texas.

What Makes Affordable Housing Green?

There's no one way to determine what makes “green” housing. Here's a breakdown of the standards and considerations used by the affordable housing industry.

August 6, 2024 - Shelterforce Magazine

A Place to Recover from Illness: How Medical Respite Programs Help Unhoused People Heal

For people experiencing homelessness, recuperating after a hospitalization is difficult. Medical respite programs can help. Why aren't they more common?

August 1, 2024 - Shelterforce Magazine

Two people helping an older woman outdoors suffering from heat stroke.

Essential Strategies for Combating Extreme Heat

Cities can protect residents from extreme heat by enhancing natural and built infrastructure, establishing heat response strategies, and implementing national policies for worker safety and disaster response.

July 30, 2024 - Fast Company

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

Beyond Compliance: The Crucial Role of the ADA in Planning Great Communities

The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990 to protect people with disabilities from discrimination, but more work is needed to make U.S. communities accessible to all. And planners have a key role to play.

July 26, 2024 - Mary Hammon

View of Ithaca Commons sign over pedestrian street in downtown Ithaca, New York.

In Upstate New York, the Fight for ‘Good Cause’ Continues

This week, Ithaca became the latest city to opt into New York’s new Good Cause Eviction Law. What are tenant organizers doing to make the law work better for their communities?

July 24, 2024 - Shelterforce Magazine

View of California State Capitol dome in Sacramento, California at dusk.

California Secures $16.2 Million HUD Grant for Affordable Housing

The funding will be used to develop affordable housing, reduce regulatory barriers, and address systemic racism in land use policies.

July 15, 2024 - NBC 4

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.