In this article, researcher Richard Florida looks at why and how the Denver area became a "megaregion" and a highly-desirable place to live.
"Over the past decade or so, Denver, Boulder and the surrounding region have developed a well-deserved reputation as one of the nation's very best places to live. That's important because people today increasingly get to choose where to live. Some 40 million Americans move each year, and 15 million of us make a significant move - to another county, another state or another country."
"In fact, the place we choose to live is the most important decision we ever make - largely because it influences and shapes all the other decisions - from the job opportunities and career options that are open to us, to our investments, and the friends we are able to make, the people we date and the mates we ultimately choose, and the way we raise our families."
"The greater Denver metropolitan area scores highly on a new set of rankings my team and I compiled based on the five major stages of your life. Denver itself ranks in the Top 10 places for young professionals. And Boulder ranks in the Top 5 smaller regions for single college grads, young professionals, familes with children and empty-nesters."
FULL STORY: Among the 40 'megas'

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.
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