The American Planning Association (APA) recently released its annual trend report for 2024. In it, are themes and predictions pertinent to the planning field, along with recommendations for how professionals can prepare for whatever lies ahead. Here’s a brief overview of the trends to look out for!

As remote work continues to grow in popularity and as our work spaces change in the years ahead, cities will have to grapple with what to do with vacant office buildings. Converting them into other uses is just one solution that could change the feel and function of many urban centers.

Improved bus stops with shelters and designated seating areas have the potential to transform public transportation from a mere functional necessity to an attractive and user-friendly mode of travel. Small improvements, such as adding a bench, can boost the rider experience and help make transit a more accessible option for all.

The number 13 might be Taylor Swift’s favorite number, but for most, it still carries superstitious and unlucky connotations. Take a look at the elevator buttons in a tall building, and you might notice a peculiar absence: the 13th floor.

The Journal of the American Planning Association recommended four books for Urban Planners in 2024. Whether you’re interested in housing, sanctuary cities, or the rewilding of urban centers, the list has insights and stories to bring into the new year.

This Thursday marks the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. The Twin Cities will experience only about eight hours and forty-six minutes of daylight. After that point, sunlight will linger just a little longer each day, bringing spring and warmer weather with it (eventually).

Daylighting can be a simple and cost-effective way to make intersections safer for all users. The City of Hoboken in New Jersey effectively eliminated traffic deaths largely in part because of their daylighting efforts. Other major cities like San Francisco and Portland have also adopted daylighting initiatives.

Minneapolis boasts the largest contiguous skyway system in the world. This interconnected network of elevated walkways not only shields pedestrians from the elements but also weaves through the City's rich history. Recent years have seen some changes to the Skyway System, but it still presents a unique opportunity for pedestrian-centered travel.

Minecraft has become one of the most popular video games of all time. Whether you play to win or just play to build, Minecraft offers hours of enjoyment to gamers of all ages and interests. And now, the experts are turning to Minecraft as an urban planning engagement tool.

As online shopping and e-commerce grow in popularity, the need for so much parking on Black Friday may continue to decline. With that comes an opportunity to re-think how we design and use parking lots. While there will no-doubt still be lines on Black Friday, perhaps the shopping holiday can be less of a pain in the asphalt. And that’s something to be grateful for.

A 2022 study from Bloomberg Philanthropies found that painted crosswalks can reduce pedestrian accidents by up to 50%. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these vibrant crosswalks can foster a safer environment for all road users.

Hi, Barbie!This summer, the Barbie movie became one of the highest grossing films ever made. Part of the film takes place in Barbie Land, a pink and plastic city complete with shopping malls, restaurants, and of course, a beach. On screen, Barbie Land looks like a dream – a utopia painted in pink. But this Urban Planning Barbie wants to know: How perfect is it really?

Searching for some spooky stories this Halloween? Look no further! This year’s American Planning Association (APA) Ethics Cases are sure to send shivers down your spine!