Diversity

'Melting-Pot Suburbs' Growing in Prominence

Analysis from the Brooking Institution maps the so-called melting-pot suburbs, where demographics closely resemble the diverse population of the country as a whole.

May 27, 2015 - Brookings Institution

Chicago Metra and Highway

How Urban Diversity Equals Neighborhood Segregation

Statistics sage Nate Silver crunches the numbers illustrating the relationship between U.S. cities' overall diversity and their neighborhood diversity. His conclusion: the greater diversity, the greater the segregation.

May 18, 2015 - FiveThirtyEight

Diversity Leads to Tranquility in Astoria, Queens

The community was long known as predominantly Greek and Italian, but tensions existed with the African-American community. As whites moved to the suburbs, they were replaced with a "poly-glot mix" without the tensions. Next challenge: gentrification.

March 31, 2015 - NPR Code Switch

Sequoia State Park

An App for California State Parks

California's Department of Parks and Recreation is getting into the app business. It is hoped that CaliParks will help improve access to the state's parks for young people and minorities.

March 21, 2015 - The Bold Italic

A Valentine's Day Message from Diversity Plaza in New York City

We at Planetizen hope that there's lots of love in your day today.

February 14, 2015 - StreetsBlog NYC

Do Good Techies Make Good Neighbors?

Who wouldn’t want the many benefits that a thriving digital workforce can bring? Growing wages, agile thinking, and jeans and ping pong in the office! Oh, but wait...

December 20, 2014 - Rooflines

SoHo Greenwich New York

Historic Preservation as the Enemy of Diversity

A recent article takes a controversial stance contrary to the argument of Jane Jacobs that old buildings equal affordable, diverse neighborhoods.

September 7, 2014 - Market Urbanism

Mural Los Angeles

Manifesto for an Intercultural Urbanism

What are the philosophical and practical commitments of an approach to urban planning that respects cultural differences in ways of being and building?

July 17, 2014 - Dean Saitta

Study: Diverse Neighborhoods Support Mental Health for the Elderly

A study published in Health & Place finds that those seeking good mental health well into their golden years should look to diverse neighborhoods rather than gated communities.

July 5, 2014 - Pacific Standard

U.S. Race Map

Three Demographic Trends to Watch in 2014 and Beyond

The National Journal speaks with demographer William H. Frey, with the Brookings Institution, about the three most meaningful trends that emerged in the U.S. last year, and their significance for the future.

January 10, 2014 - National Journal

Should Planners Encourage Diverse Neighborhoods?

In an opinion piece for the Vancouver Sun, a trio of academics argue that, contrary to popular belief, socially mixed neighborhoods can be damaging to the supposed beneficiaries: low-income groups.

January 4, 2014 - The Vancouver Sun

Are Diverse Communities Discordant With Cohesive Ones?

A study utilizing simulations of more than 20 million virtual “neighborhoods” finds a negative relationship between cohesion and diversity. The findings could alter how we understand and build social capital within neighborhoods and across cities.

November 19, 2013 - The Atlantic Cities

The Corner Store: Mark of a "Dynamic Neighbourhood"

In Vancouver, the presence of corner stores indicates diverse, dynamic, and affordable neighborhoods. But is the disappearance of such stores from neighborhoods across the city a sign that residential areas are becoming unbalanced?

September 17, 2013 - The Globe and Mail

San Francisco Gains Affluence and Loses Its Identity

The latest 'digital gold rush' has been a boost for the Bay Area's high earners, but a blow to its diversity and affordability. Conspicuous transportation modes - fleets of private buses and black town cars - epitomize the area's growing divide.

August 15, 2013 - Los Angeles Times

Housing Price Increases in Urban Areas Outpace Suburbs

As we've heard recently, home prices are on the rise throughout the United States. New research from Jed Kolko shows that increases are particularly acute in areas with high rises, multi-family housing, and a diversity of residents.

June 25, 2013 - The Atlantic Cities

5 Pointz New York

Are Cities Killing Their Creative Edge in the Quest for More Revenue?

As the world's centers of business and politics compete to create ever more lucrative commercial and residential zones, creative spaces are being razed and redeveloped. Is the ability to nurture creativity and diversity being lost in the process?

June 15, 2013 - Urban Times

Cycling's Diversity Belies Infrastructure Divide

A new report documents the diversity of America's cycling community, countering the stereotype of the "spandex- or skinny jean-clad" white rider. However, minority communities suffer from a deficit of cycling infrastructure. Can this be changed?

May 30, 2013 - Grist

Architects with model

Architecture's Identity Problem

The recent kerfuffle over Denise Scott Brown’s non-receipt of the Pritzker Prize is just a symptom of a larger problem within the field of architecture, says Sam Lubell. The poor rate of diversity among practitioners reduces its relevance.

May 13, 2013 - The Architect's Newspaper

Gentrification Provides an Opportunity to Diversify Urban Schools

Segregated schools are an enduring problem in urban America. But with young affluent (often white) professionals flocking to cities, and enrolling their children in public schools, a historic opportunity exists to create diverse schools.

April 18, 2013 - The Atlantic Cities

Making Bike-Share Accessible to the 99 Percent

In cities across America, municipal bike-share systems have had a hard time reaching low-income and minority populations. As Chicago plans its new system for next year's launch, the city is developing measures to broaden the demographics of cycling.

November 27, 2012 - Grid Chicago

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.