Crime
Preventing Crime, One Park at a Time
Deborah Marton, executive director of the New York Restoration Project, connects parks and open space to improved public safety.
Birds of Passage: Quantifying Jacobs's Gloom
While the debate continues unabated on the influence of the physical and land use characteristics of a city on crime, a critical aspect is left out: resident transience. Jacobs took notice and feared its negative influence. Was she right?
Op-Ed: Seattle Should Do More About Crime in Business Districts
To combat a rash of incivility and outright criminal acts, three Business Improvement Area directors argue that Seattle needs to commit more law enforcement resources to business districts.
The View from Hudson Street—With Thoughts on Science and Orthodoxy
Anecdotal evidence isn't enough to make claims about the connection between density and crime, but the planning orthodoxy does so anyway.
Eyes from the Street – A Finer Filter
Evidence described here suggests that urban design for "eyes on the street" is not enough to lower crime.
Eyes from the Street: The Neighbourhood Fabric that Matters
The mantra “eyes on the street" focuses on the physical and functional traits of urban fabric but fails to explain the high crime rate of my Jacobsian neighbourhood. Time to reconsider, look for explanations, and exchange mantras for research.
Portland Lowers Penalties for Fare Evasion
Fines will be waived for low-income riders, among other changes aimed at bringing "fairness and equity" to TriMet's enforcement system.
Where Mass Shootings Happen
It's tempting to try to find a link between sites of mass shootings, but data shows they happen in all types of American communities.
Falling Crime Rates Have Changed American Cities
The drop in crime in cities has extended American life expectancies, especially those of black men, and brought more wealthy people into urban areas.
Distressed Suburbs Struggle to Recover From Decade-Old Recession
Located primarily in the western states, some suburbs were hit hard by the 2008 recession and still haven't recovered. Many have seen an influx of low-income residents and upticks in crime.
Study: Nonprofits, Ordinary Citizens Played Major Role in Crime Decline
As many wonder whether the nation's multi-decade crime decline will continue, research suggests that community groups and local nonprofits have played a larger role in that story than they're given credit for.
Study Sheds Light on the Effect of Streetlights on Crime
A study of the neighborhood and streets in the city of Houston finds that streetlights aren't always an effective crime deterrent.
Study: 'Eyes on the Street' Have Real Value for Neighborhood Safety
The first study to make an attempt at quantifying the value of "eyes on street"—an idea most eloquently described by Jane Jacobs—offers reason to support a mix of uses, with businesses operating later in the evening.
Chicago's Black Residents Continuing to Leave the City
The Census shows that black residents are leaving Chicago and the surrounding areas. Many tie the trend to disinvestment in black neighborhoods, including the closings of schools.
Research: Gentrification Follows Falling Crime
It isn't exactly a surprising correlation: gentrification and decreases in crime. This research finds that falling crime often precedes gentrification, not the other way around.
High Hopes for New Developments in the Chicago Neighborhood of Englewood
Chicago's Englewood neighborhood recently saw the opening of a Whole Foods, Starbucks, and other retailers in a bit of a good news, for a neighborhood that's challenged by low employment and high violence.
Indianapolis Installing New Streetlights for the First Time in 35 Years
Indianapolis officials including Mayor Joe Hogsett gathered this week to celebrate the installation of the city's first new streetlight in 35 years.
Study: Street Lights Don't Reduce Crime
Pacific Standard shares news of a study that debunks a long-held assumption of public safety.
A Chicago Bike Path Goes Underused
While a federally-funded network of bike paths is in the works elsewhere in the city, the Major Taylor Trail gets little use from Chicago residents. The main problems are a lack of awareness and the South Side's fearsome reputation.
Anchorage to Renovate a Prominent Public Space in the Name of Public Safety
A popular public meeting space in downtown Anchorage faces renovations due to claims of illegal activity. A now defunct water fountain feature has created conditions that some believe are unsafe with a need for more eyes on the street.
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
