Diana is a writer and urbanist passionate about public space, historical memory, and transportation equity. Prior to joining Planetizen, she started and managed a farmers' market and worked as a transportation planner in the bike share industry. She is Planetizen's editor as of January 2022.
![Close-up of rows of clear plastic cups filled with cut fruit on outdoor street vendor table](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_627182756.jpeg.webp?itok=bCiyVehb)
D.C. Passes New Street Vending Rules
The District’s new regulations lower permit fees, reduce barriers to entry for vendors, and decriminalize vending offenses.
![Conceptual rendering of Rikers Island redevelopment as renewable energy facility](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/Screenshot%202023-08-23%20at%2011-49-44%20ARTICLE%20Green%20Future%20for%20Rikers.png.webp?itok=d6m2GusQ)
Can New York City Go Green Without Renewable Rikers?
New York City’s bold proposal to close the jail on Rikers Island and replace it with green infrastructure is in jeopardy. Will this compromise the city’s ambitious climate goals?
![Orange tent and bicycles belonging to unhoused people at Venice Beach, California](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_223999145.jpeg.webp?itok=jpOD71yL)
HUD Approves L.A. Housing Voucher Changes
The city requested changes to federal housing voucher approvals to streamline the approval process for people experiencing homelessness.
![Aerial view of three-story brick rowhouses in Kensington neighborhood of Phialdelphia, Pennsylvania](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_248747873.jpeg.webp?itok=0-uypUvy)
Pandemic Relief Programs Prevented Homelessness Despite Housing Burden
A new study highlights the important role of emergency relief funding and eviction bans in stemming the rise of homelessness even as more families became housing-insecure.
![Red antique stoplight in the middle of wide intersection flanked by brick buildings in downtown rural Toledo, Iowa](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_621332883.jpeg.webp?itok=1b-j-g2u)
Iowa Towns Embrace a ‘Shrink Smart’ Approach
Population loss doesn’t have to be a harbinger of doom. Some rural communities are taking small but impactful steps to improve quality of life for their remaining residents.