COVID 19

Coronavirus Testing

Density Takes Center Stage in the Pandemic, Again

The latest in a series of compendia tackling the effects of the pandemic, now and in the future, for cities and communities.

January 7, 2021 - James Brasuell

California Shelter-in-Place

Planning and the Pandemic: Trends From 2020

If ever there was a doubt about the sheer depth and breadth of intersectionality found in the practice and theory of planning, the pandemic provides daily reminders.

January 5, 2021 - James Brasuell

Elevator Public health

Against 'Pandemic-Friendly' Planning

Since COVID-19 won't last forever, planners should not act as if it will, according to this opinion.

January 4, 2021 - Michael Lewyn

Coronavirus Protest

Urban Planning and the Coronavirus: 2020 Year in Review

If ever there was a doubt about the sheer depth and breadth of intersectionality found in the practice and theory of planning, the pandemic provides daily reminders.

December 31, 2020 - James Brasuell

Ski Town

Pandemic Disrupts Ski Town Life in More Ways Than One

The working class that make ski towns run are getting squeezed out of work by public health restrictions while wealthy newcomers push real estate markets to crazy new heights.

December 30, 2020 - Adventure Journal

New York City Coronavirus

The Best (and Worst) of Architecture and Design in 2020

An annual review of the world of architecture and design from design critics at the Dallas Morning News and Curbed.

December 29, 2020 - Medium

Bank Owned

The Foreclosure Crisis Waiting in January

Although homeowners have so far accessed financial relief from the pandemic much more easily than renters, housing counselors are bracing for a foreclosure crisis as forbearance terms start to end.

December 28, 2020 - Shelterforce Magazine

Los Angeles and Coronavirus

The Most Popular Urban Planning Articles of 2020

The most-read news, features, and blogs on Planetizen in that year that was 2020.

December 28, 2020 - James Brasuell

Subway Tunnel

An Infrastructure Proposal for Biden's First 100 Days in Office

The 100 days in office provides President-elect Joe Biden with an early chance to follow the model of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

December 25, 2020 - Regional Plan Association

Washington D.C. Street

COVID Stimulus Details for Planners

A few last minute changes were included in the version of the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, approved by Congress last night.

December 22, 2020 - APA Advocates via Twitter

Coronavirus and Homelessness

'State of the Nation's Housing 2020' Report Traces Impact of COVID-19

The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies releases its "The State of the Nation’s Housing 2020" report last month.

December 21, 2020 - Housing Matters

Suburban Pittsburgh

Federal Rent Relief Is a Public Health Imperative

To ensure families stay in their homes and stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government should extend the CDC's eviction moratorium and other rent relief measures through the new year.

December 18, 2020 - Urban Wire

New York City Subway

What's in the New Economic Stimulus Package for U.S. Transit Agencies

A new economic stimulus package that appears headed for approval as of this writing will give $15 billion to public transit, far less than transit advocates had hoped, but far better than nothing.

December 17, 2020 - Streetsblog USA

2010s

Pandemic, Equity Dominate 2020 Planning News

Even with the world shut down, many California planning issues continued to be debated online, fought over in court, enacted in city halls, and realized on the ground. And yet, racial equity and the pandemic are the defining stories of 2020.

December 16, 2020 - California Planning & Development Report

Multi-Family Housing

How 2020 Changed the Rental Market

A new report by RentCafé reveals the extent of the pandemic's influence on the rental market—so far.

December 16, 2020 - RentCafé

Düsseldorf Stadtbahn

Germany Locks Down to Protect Healthcare System

Beginning Dec. 16, all of Germany will be subject to stricter coronavirus restrictions to reduce infections following a meeting with the chancellor and the 16 state governors. Schools will close and restaurants will be confined to take-out service.

December 15, 2020 - Associated Press

Coronavirus Pandemic

Why Playgrounds Need to Stay Open

California has reversed its decision to close playgrounds as part of the state's stay-at-home order after some legislators and parents complained and argued that children need outdoor play for their health and well-being.

December 15, 2020 - CALmatters

Auto-Dependency

Automobile Dependency: An Unequal Burden

Automobile-dependent planning has changed automobiles from a luxury into a necessity. Excessive vehicle costs leave many households without money to purchase essential food, shelter and healthcare. They need more affordable transportation options.

December 15, 2020 - Todd Litman

Mapping Coronavirus Infections

Top Websites for Urban Planning – 2020

Planetizen's annual list of the best of the planning Internet in a year inextricably defined by the uncertainty and constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic.

December 14, 2020 - James Brasuell

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

COVID Illnesses Requires Reduction of MBTA Commuter Rail Service

To many employees are sick with COVID for Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter rail to operate on its normal schedule.

December 11, 2020 - The Boston Globe

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.