Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Jane Jacobs

Planetizen Unveils Its Top 100 Urban Thinkers

0433_12innova.jpgJane Jacobs. Photo: BusinessWeek

She may be experiencing an intellectual reconsideration in some corners, but Jane Jacobs is still a beloved figure for the urban planners and designers of Planetizen.

After a month-long online poll that saw more than 14,000 votes cast, the site released its list of the "Top 100 Urban Thinkers" today -- and Jane was at the top. Her longtime antagonist Robert Moses came in at No. 23, nine spots ahead of current New York City Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan.

Other notables singled out by Planetizen readers include Frederick Law Olmsted, designer of New York's Central Park (No. 4), Enrique Penalosa, Bogota's former mayor and a dedicated proponent of bus rapid transit (No. 14), and Kaid Benfield, director of the Natural Resources Defense Council's smart growth program (No. 42).

Check out the complete top 100 right here. Is anyone missing, or should anyone be ranked higher than they are?

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Delay By Design: ‘Major Transportation’ Law Still Gums Up Street Safety Projects

A law from the 2000s bikelash still makes it harder to make streets safer.

December 15, 2025

State Pol’s ‘Manhattan Safety Plan’ Emphasizes Daylighting and Protecting Bike Lanes

A new safety plan from State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez puts the streets front and center.

December 15, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Dining Dash Edition

A report from Hell's Kitchen shows the scale of the collapse of the city's outdoor dining program. Plus more news.

December 15, 2025

Opinion: Sean Duffy’s ‘Golden Age’ of Dangerous Streets

Sean Duffy is calling for a "golden age" of civility in American travel. He should start by ending barbaric policies that get people killed on the ground and in the skies.

December 15, 2025

Oonee, The Bike Parking Company, Files Formal Protest After DOT Snub

Brooklyn bike parking start-up Oonee is calling foul play on the city's selection of another company for its secure bike parking program.

December 12, 2025
See all posts