Urban Planning Fundamentals: Housing, Community, and Economic Development

Modern cities and suburbs are evolving rapidly, making the study of housing and economic development more critical than ever. This text-based course introduces you to the core principles of urban planning, exploring how communities balance suburban growth with sustainable design. You will explore the real-world forces that drive housing policy, community development, and local economic resilience. By reading through structured explanations and real-world case studies, you will learn to analyze zoning laws, evaluate housing affordability, and understand the economic factors shaping modern metropolitan areas. What you'll learn: Understand the foundational concepts of urban planning and suburban growth patterns; Analyze the relationship between housing policy, zoning laws, and community development; Evaluate modern economic development strategies for diverse neighborhoods; Explore sustainable planning practices and modern transit-oriented development; Examine how public policy influences real estate and community infrastructure. This course begins with essential terminology and the history of urban expansion before guiding you through policy analysis, community organizing concepts, and modern sustainable development frameworks. Designed specifically for beginners, this course requires no prior background in urban studies or economics. Start building your understanding of how policy and planning shape the places we live.