Urban Growth

How Ancient and Modern Cities Compare (and Why Planners Should Care)
A new scholarly paper argues that ancient and modern cities can be usefully analyzed in a comparative perspective. But what you do with the comps depends on how much you value similarities versus differences in urban form.

Study: Ancient Cities Grew Much Like Modern Cities
Scientists from the Santa Fe Institute have discovered basic patterns underlying the way cities have always grown. The mechanics of "urban scaling" may have something fundamental to tell us about how large settlements evolve.

Cities Growing Faster than Suburbs (But Not by Much)
Eliot Brown, commercial real estate reporter for The Wall Street Journal, writes on urban trends largely influenced by firms seeking to attract the brightest young workers with decidedly urban preferences. Mid-size and large cities are prospering.

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.
Researchers Say Two Simple Rules Can Predict Urban Growth
Is it possible to predict when and how cities will grow? A group of researchers in France say the answer is yes.
'Triumph of Suburbia' is a Far-Fetched Story
Joel Kotkin is on a roll in the past few weeks, making the case that the revival of cities and decline of suburbs is a fraud — but his argument ignores the facts, argues Robert Steuteville.
Census: Cities Growing Faster Than Suburbs
Historically the one-year data may be an aberration as suburbs have outgrown cities for every decade since the 1920s. It may be as much a consequence of the recession and housing bust as a preference for urban living, but builders are responding.
America's Expanding Cities
Nate Berg explains why recent headlines about the rise of the country's urban population shouldn't have smart growth advocates claiming victory just yet.
Are Cities in Need of a Generational Refresh?
The article takes a look at the idea that stalled urban growth may be a generational issue.
Suburban Decline and Urban Growth Predicted
According to the new book, Foreclosing the Dream: How America's Housing Crisis Is Reshaping Our Cities and Suburbs, development is shifting to cities more strongly than most Americans realize.
Disaster Risk Tied to Urban Growth
Two reports have linked patterns of urban development to disaster risk. As urban populations grow, these studies suggest developing countries will become even more vulnerable.
Controversial Florida Growth Management Bill Spurs Call for Veto
A bill that would allow exurban development before adequate transportation infrastructure is in place has caused a stir in Florida, where environmental groups are lobbying the governor for a veto.
Oregon Eyes a Tight Water Future
The municipal demand for water in Oregon is expected to increase by more than 61% by 2050, and many policymakers there are trying to figure out how to meet that growing demand.
Pagination
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