Census Data
Census Data Shows Which Cities Encourage the Most Walking
Multiple metrics have been developed to measure which areas are the most friendly to pedestrians. But by looking at Census Data on commuting patterns, one can glean which city's residents are making the most of their "walkable" environs.
Where in America is Cycling Growing the Most?
Detroit is the unlikely name atop the League of American Bicyclists' new list of cities that have grown their share of bike commuters the most between 1990-2012.
Why Aren't Americans Moving?
Four years after the Great Recession technically ended, the rate at which Americans are choosing to relocate continues to decline and is now at historic lows. What is causing this long-term trend?
Micro-Apartments Fill Essential Need
Sarah Watson makes the case for micro-apartments, those controversial 250-350 sq. ft. units that neighbors often oppose but meet a critical need.
Decision to Ditch Long-Form Census Torments Canada's Planners
The federal government's controversial decision to scrap Canada's long-form census in 2011 and replace it with a voluntary household survey is coming home to roost, as cities across the country dismiss its skewed results.
For the First Time, White Deaths Exceed Births in the U.S., Reports Census
The demographic milestone shows how the U.S. is quickly becoming a nation of minorities - and also shows the rapid aging and lower birth rates of the white, non-hispanic demographic. However, due to immigration, the total white population increased.
America's Appetite for Big Homes Returns
The recent reversal of America's historic trends in city growth, driving rates, and home sizes have urbanists wondering about their long-term prospects as the economy recovers. Recent data indicates one of those trends didn't have staying power.
In 'Historic Shift', America's Rural Population Declines for the First Time
While the percentage of American's living outside of urban areas has been declining for some time, overall rural population loss has occurred for the first time since the Census began keeping track, reports the USDA's Economic Research Service.
Miami Tops When it Comes to Roadway Efficiency
Miami probably isn't the first city you think of when it comes to the efficiency of its road infrastructure. New York, yes. San Francisco or Boston, maybe. But Miami? Chris Dickersin-Prokopp explains the surprising results culled from census data.
From 'Leave It to Beaver' to 'Modern Family'
Kaid Benfield takes a moment to reflect on the changing nature of the American household and how it will shape our cities in the coming years.
Where to Find Elusive GIS-Ready Census Data
For planners searching for hard to find historic census data in a GIS-ready format, the National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS) may be the one-stop shop you've been looking for.
America's Fastest Growing Cities Revealed
With many of America's largest metros experiencing robust growth, Michael Sauter, Alexander Hess and Elisabeth Uible of 24/7 Wall St. have compiled a list of the fastest growing cities in the country.
End of an Era for Planning Information in Canada?
Whenever we weed through the records of our personal past -- diaries, letters, drawings, school assignments from our youth -- we face difficult decisions over what to keep and what to discard. We are forced to come to terms with our documented past, and often recognize the power such records hold to both inspire – and embarrass. For individuals and governments alike, the decision over what to record, what to retain and what to communicate is a potent one, for it can either afford or constrain opportunities for actions in the future, as well as confirm or conflict with the image or myths we choose to tell about ourselves.
Are Cities Really Growing Faster Than Suburbs?
Last week's census figures were widely used to point to a swelling of urban populations. Chris Briem says that the jury's still out.
D.C. Area Hits Uptick as Recession Peters Out
Carol Morello and Patricia Sullivan explore the recent population spike in Washington, D.C., part of a nationwide trend toward "an urban renaissance."
Are American Home Sizes Growing or Shrinking?
Remember that trend toward smaller houses widely predicted and reported, well Lew Sichelman sees the inverse in figures recently reported at the annual convention of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in Orlando.
Are U.S. Cities Effectively Desegregated?
Sam Roberts reports on a new study of census results that found the nation’s cities are more racially integrated than at any time since 1910.
The Shrinking Middle Class
A new report from Stanford University looks at the changes in incomes and neighborhoods.
Top Educated Cities in California Mostly in Bay Area
With 79.7 percent of its residents with a bachelor's degree or higher, Palo Alto, home to tech giants Facebook and Hewlett-Packard, is the most educated city in California, reports Joanna Lin for California Watch.
Higher Vacancy Rates in Walkable Neighborhoods
In comparing data collected during the 2010 Census, walkable neighborhoods are shown to have greater vacancy rates than the cities they're in.
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.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
