New legislation, proposed in the Queen’s Speech on Tuesday, which would allow residents to vote on whether their neighbours get planning permission has been described as “utter madness” by the chairman of an influential committee of MPs. The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill would allow communities in England to hold referendums over the style and size…

Walking six blocks to work each morning gives Charles Marohn a unique insight into the vitality of his town, and into his own well-being. Aware of the benefits of exercise in his life, he quickly draws an analogy between personal discipline and the discipline that makes for a strong town. Wisdom literature often draws a…

OTTAWA—The federal minister in charge of affordable housing says he would like municipalities to reshape local rules to more quickly build units through the government’s national housing strategy. Social Development Minister Ahmed Hussen says some cities and towns have already started to align their permitting and planning process with the federal strategy, but adds many…

Your local city park may improve your health, according to a new study. The research shows how access to nature in cities increases physical activity and, therefore, overall health. Lack of physical activity in the United States results in $117 billion per year in related health care costs and leads to 3.2 million deaths globally…