United States

Power lines and towers at a substation

Power Demand is Surging in US

The U.S. has entered a new power paradigm according to a new energy analysis that warns of unprecedented new demands for power, largely from “new manufacturing, industrial, and data center facilities,” and the grid is not prepared for the surge.

March 25, 2024 - The New York Times

Cose-up of person's hands on steering wheel driving down highway with sunset sky.

When High-Tech Cars Increase Road Risk

An overreliance on ‘partial automation’ can make drivers less attentive.

March 25, 2024 - Strong Towns

Close-up of man painting white and yellow crosswalk on asphalt.

Guerilla Urbanism: Small Interventions, Big Impact

Citizen-led projects can lead to broader changes — if cities will listen.

March 24, 2024 - Congress For New Urbanism

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Close-up of white electric car charging symbol on black pavement in parking spaces.

How New Federal Rule Could Impact EV Adoption

An adjustment to federal pollution limits will require a greater share of low-carbon vehicles, but the rule also gives automakers some flexibility in deploying electric and hybrid cars.

March 22, 2024 - The Hill

White three-story brick single-room occupancy hotel in downtown Los Angeles, California.

‘Micro-Apartment’ Trend Underscores Housing Crisis

SROs are making a comeback under a new name as the housing supply remains strained and costs soar.

March 22, 2024 - Associated Press via Yahoo News

Close-up of crash test dummy in orange jumpsuit leaning over steering wheel with Volkswagen logo.

NHTSA to Introduce New Female Crash Test Dummy

Modern crash test dummies have advanced features that account for different body types and genders, but government regulators have been slow to adopt the technology.

March 22, 2024 - ABC 7 Chicago

Close-up of person in wheelchair wearing jeans entering public bus on ramp.

How to Improve Transit Accessibility

Over 13 million Americans face mobility challenges that limit their travel experience.

March 21, 2024 - Prism

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

Empty kindergarten classroom with colorful chairs and floor mats.

Report: 2.5 Percent of Infants and Toddlers Are Unhoused

A first-of-its-kind analysis reveals state-by-state trends in infant and toddler homelessness.

March 21, 2024 - SchoolHouse Connection

Aerial view of highway overpasses with Portland, Oregon skyline in background.

Road Pricing: Highway Tolling Suffers Huge Setback

One of the nation's most prominent projects that would have tolled all lanes on two urban interstate highways may have come to an abrupt end on March 11 after Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek pulled her support for the controversial Portland area projects.

March 20, 2024 - The Oregonian

Wood-frame two-story rowhouses under construction.

How ‘Filtering’ Opens Up Affordable Housing

An analysis of 12 U.S. cities found that new market-rate construction often leads to more affordable units becoming available, but the effect varies across housing markets.

March 20, 2024 - Bisnow

View from behind of woman wearing helmet on bicycle riding on concrete causeway with water on either side.

A National Bike Trail Network Is Slowly Growing

Around the United States, new bike lanes and trails are connecting communities via two (or three) wheels.

March 20, 2024 - Associated Press

Front of pale green manufactured home with carport and desert sunset in background.

HUD Announces New Loan Limits for Manufactured Housing

The new loan limits are expected to help more homebuyers access affordable housing options.

March 20, 2024 - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Hospital Signs

Healthcare Providers Get in the Housing Business

Some hospitals and healthcare providers are partnering with affordable housing developers to connect housing to health services and create more affordable housing for hospital workers.

March 19, 2024 - The New York Times

Woman in purple helmet on orange e-bike with baby in seat on back of bike.

E-Bike Lending Libraries Offer Free Access to a New Mode

For people who can’t afford to buy an e-bike, or aren’t sure if they want to make the investment, e-bike libraries offer a risk-free way to try one out.

March 18, 2024 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of blue and white wheelchair ramp sign with arrow pointing right.

America’s 15 Most Accessible Cities

These cities are the easiest to navigate for people in wheelchairs or with mobility challenges.

March 15, 2024 - Yahoo Finance

Two black modular units with glass doors and wood accents in an industrial warehouse.

Policy Prescriptions for Modular Housing

Tweaks to building codes, zoning regulations, and financing mechanisms could unlock the potential of modular construction in the United States.

March 15, 2024 - Center for American Progress

Close-up of American flag sticker on a silver subway train.

How Public Transit Became Political

A number of factors explain the partisan divide in support for transit.

March 14, 2024 - Governing

Close-up on dozens of anti-climate change signs at protest with people not visible.

Resilience Matters: Building Sustainable Futures

A new e-book highlights the work of people and organizations planning more resilient cities.

March 14, 2024 - Island Press

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.