The population shift from rural to urban areas is making big changes in the Great Plains. While many rural small towns are disappearing, the shift is opening new doors for business and preservation.
"The Great Plains, which makes up more than 15% of the USA's land area through 10 states but holds barely 3% of the nation's population, is going through another transformation. The more rural parts of the region gradually are adapting to a century of decline in farming and the steady exodus of young people. Scattered corners of the Plains that have suffered economic setbacks are adjusting partly by reverting to nature: land preservation, eco-tourism, wildlife products, hunting grounds and recreational ranches."
"The Great Plains, long known as the nation's breadbasket, remains the primary source of wheat for the USA. It's also a prime producer of flax seed, sorghum, sunflower, barley, corn, cattle and cotton. Despite population declines in many areas, the total acres of corn, soybean and wheat in Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Montana are up 7.2 million acres since 1950 to 48.3 million acres, says Jim Stephens, president of Farmers National Commodities, a grain-marketing consultant."
"Few envisioned then what is happening on the Plains today. The private sector, state and local governments and non-profit groups are pouring money into preserving land and returning it to wildlife. Small towns are still dying, but economic enterprises are emerging from this environmental effort - from bison and dried-fruit snacks produced by Native Americans in South Dakota to Lewis and Clark Trail motorcoach tours in Nebraska."
"Almost two-thirds of the 376 counties in the Great Plains, as defined by Census Bureau researchers, lost people from 1950 to 2006. Four counties in North Dakota lost two-thirds or more of their population in that time."
"But the region's population almost doubled to 9.7 million during the same period, largely because of growth in metropolitan areas such as Denver, Wichita and Billings, Mont. Technology is fueling a push to retain and lure professionals who can work anywhere but choose the Great Plains because of its natural beauty and low cost of living."
FULL STORY: Life on the Great Plains is anything but plain, simple

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie