Urbanization

What Do Urban Trends Mean for Banks?

A recent article describes the context of urbanization around the country before examining the implications of the trend for the decisions made by bankers—i.e., where and how to invest—especially given the realities of the post-recession economy.

March 25, 2014 - American Banker

Shanghai Shopping

Hyper-Urbanization: China Plans for 100 Million New City Residents by 2020

China recently announced ambitious plans to move 100 million former farmers to urban environments—enough to bring the country's urban population to 60 percent of its total.

March 25, 2014 - New York Times

Wanted: International Goals for Sustainable Urban Development

With the target dates for the Millennium Development Goals set for 2015, the United Nations has begun to create a new set "Sustainable Development Goals." Some are calling for the new goals to include an urban focus.

March 4, 2014 - The Nature of Cities

Seattle's Growth Patterns Buck Century-Long Trend

According to Census data, the city of Seattle's population is growing faster than its King County suburbs—for the first time since 1910.

February 26, 2014 - Seattle Times

Two young girls carry water on the train tracks that run through the Kibera Slum

Our Fragile Emerging Megacities: A Focus on Resilience

The number of megacities is expected to double over the next decade, and many of these growing cities are far from resilient. The solution: frugal engineering and local knowledge.

February 12, 2014 - Kevin C. Desouza

Could India's Economic Slump Lead to De-Urbanization?

For many years, the astounding urban migration taking place across the developing world has been a notable global trend. But India's economic slowdown may put a dent in urbanization projections as inhabitants leave cities in search of work.

January 9, 2014 - Quartz

Minneapolis Stone Arch Bridge

Families Choosing Twin Cities Urbanity Over Suburban Living

Data suggesting a dramatic shift toward the urban core are accruing in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Suburbs have responded by creating walkable downtowns, but are struggling with declining school enrollment and other consequences.

January 8, 2014 - Star Tribune

In China's Model New Town Urbanization Equals Ghettoization

Outside of Tianjin, in northern China, a model new town has become a symbol of something less exemplary - the country's struggles with urbanization. Broken promises and scant opportunities are creating trying conditions for former farmers.

November 11, 2013 - The New York Times

How Can We Provoke "Peak Waste"?

Because city residents generate four times as much trash as rural residents, the rapid growth of the world's cities is leading to the rapid growth of the world's garbage. A new study examines future trash troubles and potential solutions.

November 8, 2013 - Fast Company Co.Exist

Mass Deaths Indicate Marine Ecosystem in Distress

The deaths of hundreds of pelicans, dolphins and manatees across Florida's Indian River estuary - 'one of the richest marine ecosystems in the continental United States' - have scientists concerned, and wondering if rapid urbanization is to blame.

August 9, 2013 - The New York Times

How Will the Government Manage China's Great Urban Leap?

Ian Johnson explores a pivotal moment in China's development, as the country seeks to migrate 250 million rural residents to cities in the next 12 years. Observers speculate on how a comprehensive urbanization plan will achieve this transition.

June 17, 2013 - The New York Times

The Enduring Allure of Urban Environments

Even if the swelling modern metropolis doesn't reflect the gleaming city of science fiction, Edwin Heathcote finds much to be optimistic about with regard to the future of cities on a rapidly urbanizing planet.

June 14, 2013 - The Financial Times

How Much of the World's Urbanization is Being Driven by Overseas Land Acquisitions?

Since 2006, agro-businesses, hedge-funds, financial firms, and government agencies have splurged on an overseas land-buying binge. As Saskia Sassen explains, such purchases disrupt the status quo, forcing local residents to migrate to cities.

June 11, 2013 - The Guardian

'Handshake Buildings' Demonstrate Successes and Failures of China's Urbanization

The migrants that have swelled China's cities in recent decades still remain 'second-class citizens', unable to sell their rural land or have access to public services like schools or medical care. Will the country's new leaders change this?

June 2, 2013 - The Economist

Why Some Say China Isn't Urbanizing Fast Enough

Though China's cities have been growing exponentially, some argue it isn't urbanizing fast enough. Fearing Latin American-style slums, leaders have restricted migration. They're now being urged to ease controls to maximize agglomeration effects.

May 9, 2013 - The Wall Street Journal

Does Urbanization Make Nations Less Relevant?

In the pre-modern era, city-states were the engines of global trade and diplomacy. As rapid urbanization drives globalization outside the structures of international frameworks, cities are returning to the fore as transnational actors.

May 6, 2013 - Quartz

Hukou: China's Great Urbanization Challenge

A 2,000 year old household registration system in China ties temporary urban workers to rural life.

February 10, 2013 - The Washington Post

residential downtown in Singapore

10 Lessons for Liveable High Density Cities

Armed with lessons learned from Singapore’s successful urbanization experience, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) has published a new report that identifies ten principles for creating liveable high density cities.

January 25, 2013 - ULI

India Comes to Grips With the Challenges of Urbanization

In the first entry in an eight-part series, Aparna Piramal Raje explores the challenges facing an urbanizing India that lacks sufficient planning to ease the country's transition from a nation of villages.

January 24, 2013 - Live Mint

2012's Top Emblems of Chinese Overbuilding

To keep its slowing economy humming, China continues to pump colossal funds into infrastructure projects. With massive stimulus spending comes massive inefficiencies. Naomi Rovnick selects China's most wasteful infrastructure projects of 2012.

December 14, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

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.