Planetizen

08/24/2025

Are you a practicing planner, scholar, or work in a related field? We are always accepting pitches for feature articles that bring an expert lens to today's key planning issues. Get more information and get in touch at

Planetizen has led the city and regional planning discourse for more than two decades, offering intrepid thinkers an opportunity to write and publish for an established platform with a large, passionate audience. At our core, we are a community of planning intelligence that seeks to cut across polit...

08/22/2025

In this documentary, Alex goes undercover in San Francisco, the capital of American nimbyism, where the mere utterance of zoning reform terminology is a felony offense. Thankfully, since they've abolished the police, that shouldn't be an issue.

In this documentary, Alex goes undercover in San Francisco, the capital of American nimbyism, where the mere utterance of zoning reform terminology is a felo...

08/22/2025

The city will allow Waymo robotaxis and ride-hailing app vehicles to drive down the car-free stretch of Market Street as part of Mayor Dan Lurie’s effort to help revitalize local businesses.

The city will allow Waymo robotaxis and ride-hailing app vehicles to drive down the car-free stretch of Market Street as part of Mayor Dan Lurie’s effort to help revitalize local businesses.

08/22/2025

Rural Texas stands to lose billions
New analysis reveals that over $4.7 billion in projected local tax revenue from wind, solar, and storage projects—still awaiting interconnection—now face cancellation under the OBBB’s accelerated phaseout of renewables tax credits. That loss jeopardizes funding for schools, hospitals, and public safety in communities that depend on clean energy investments for essential services. 

Already, Texas’s active utility‑scale renewables are expected to generate between $9.1 billion and $12.3 billion in tax revenue over their lifetimes—vital lifelines for rural counties with limited tax bases. 

But as OBBB cuts grants that projects must launch by mid‑2026 or come online by end of 2027 to qualify, developers warn many may abandon Texas for states or countries with stronger incentives. That means schools won’t get their funding, hospitals may lose support, and local economies will suffer.

08/21/2025

� From big cities to small towns, trail networks are transforming how people move, connect and thrive. Rails to Trails Conservancy’s TrailNation Summit, Oct. 27–29 in Cleveland, is where leaders across the country are coming together to share strategies, success stories and hands-on learning to make it safer and easier to walk, bike and be active outside in urban, suburban and rural neighborhoods across America.

Join us for three days of learning from leaders across a range of sectors—economic development, planning, research and evaluation, real estate, tourism and more— who are contributing their expertise to inspire action, spark curiosity and contribute to a community of champions and innovators dedicated to creating healthier, more inclusive, and resilient futures for all. More than 13 AICP CM credits (for eligible Summit participants).

Register now: https://rtc.li/46NRD3D

Rails to Trails Conservancy

08/21/2025

What if HOLC maps aren't the full story? In this Planetizen original documentary, author, researcher, and urban policy expert Alan Mallach joins us to trace the true roots and consequences of redlining in America - from 1930s federal mortgage policies to modern patterns of segregation and disinvestment.

What if HOLC maps aren't the full story? In this Planetizen original documentary, author, researcher, and urban policy expert Alan Mallach joins us to trace ...

08/21/2025

How are federal actions impacting transportation, land use, and housing? Keep up with the latest with the new Planetizen Policy Tracker.

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

08/21/2025

Cultural activities—migrant and immigrant populations, social factors, climate changes, and protests and civil unrest—have the power to transform cities. Learn more with Planetizen Courses.

Urban places (cities) are defined by industry, size, density, and population, but humans make and remake urban places through cultural expression, identity, and public participation. The "Introduction to Culture and Placemaking" course focuses on the importance and power of culture, exploring the ur...

08/21/2025

The city council approved a rezoning plan that will allow high-density mixed-use development in a formerly manufacturing-only district.

The city council approved a rezoning plan that will allow high-density mixed-use development in a formerly manufacturing-only district.

08/20/2025

The Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative is bringing together local officials to address climate resilience across the region.

The Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative is bringing together local officials to address climate resilience across the region.

08/19/2025

Planning terms from A to Z:

Learn essential urban planning terms and concepts with Planopedia, a free online encyclopedia of urban planning definitions.

08/19/2025

The concepts and practices of city and regional planning aren't as obvious or simple as they might seem, but a little knowledge is worth the effort. An understanding of these subjects can benefit anyone and everyone.

This course is designed as a first introduction to the topic of city planning. This course explores those topics by answering a series of commonly asked questions about cities, such as who plans cities, and why did we build the suburbs? The content is designed to provide foundational knowledge about...